Marlin Jay Fryberg Sr., a member of the Tulalip Tribes passed away surrounded by his family on October 25, 2021. He was born on February 21, 1946 in Everett, Washington and lived his entire life in Tulalip, Washington.
Marlin had a great love for his family, his tribal community, and for the lands where he was born and raised. He cruised his special route through the Reservation daily, sometimes more than once, for as long as he was able.
Marlin was a stellar athlete. He was a member of the Tulalip Renegades and Tulalip Chiefs. He excelled at basketball where he was known as “Magic” by everyone on the Native Circuit. He played with precision and great talent, carrying a love of the game, which he passed on to his name sake, Marlin Jr. Marlin also enjoyed the professional sports of boxing and football and was an avid Seattle Seahawks fan.
In his earlier years Marlin worked as the Recreation Manager for Tulalip Tribes, taking great pride in working with the youth. He drove a backhoe for Port Susan for a time, and found his place with Tulalip’s Natural Resources Department. He loved working in the mountains and rivers of his ancestral homelands as a Fisheries Technician for 20+ years until his retirement in 2015.
Marlin’s love for his family was absolute. He leaves behind his children; Marlin (Heidi) Fryberg Jr., Marci Fryberg, Corey (Yolanda) Fryberg, Sandy Ray (Becky) Fryberg, Danielle (Stephan) Fryberg, William (Jessica) Fryberg, Richard (Raven) Fryberg. Misty Rose (Candi, Mathew) Fryberg, Lincoln Smith and his Baby, Doris Kathleen. 37 Grandchildren, and 30 Great-grandchildren. Mothers to his children Carol Madison Fryberg, Ramona-Smitty Smiskin.
Marlin leaves his siblings; Brothers, Billy (Sharleen) Fryberg, Dean Fryberg Sr., Cy (Karen) Fryberg Sr., Sister, Jeanette Fryberg and his Special Brother, Richard Jones. Special Nephew, Byron Boozer Fryberg Jr.
Marlin is preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Josephine Fryberg. Brothers; Clarence Hatch Sr., Myron Fryberg Sr., Byron Fryberg Sr., Leroy Fryberg Sr., Gerald Fryberg Sr., Baby Sister, Josephine Fryberg. Daughter, Traci Fryberg-Wasko. Loving Mate, Cheryl Thornton. Special Nephew, Leroy Fryberg Jr. and Baby Grandsons, Kyshawn Housty and Caiden Raya.
Marlin was a loving, kind, and giving spirit, who opened his door to everyone. He will be dearly missed by his family and all who knew him.
Funeral services will be November 1, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Tulalip Gathering Hall, with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.
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