Alberts Andris Ritmanis

Obituary

Alberts Andris Ritmanis
Born on February 28th, 1950 in Salem, Oregon
Died on February 17th, 2026 in Portland, Oregon

Alberts passed away on February 17th, 2026 from complications related to Parkinson’s Disease. In his final days, he was surrounded by people who loved him. Alberts is survived by his two sons: Phillips and Christopher, and Phillip’s partner Kimberly Skillicorn, as well as grandson Quinn and granddaughter Leni. He is also survived by his two sisters Brigita Jameson and Lolita Ritmanis-Mattson and their families.

Alberts and his big sister Brigita grew up together in Portland, Oregon. They were children of WWII refugees from Latvia. Their parents, Andris and Asja Ritmanis worked cleaning houses, harvesting crops, and any jobs they could find while Andris studied medicine and eventually founded King Road Medical Clinic in Milwaukie, Oregon. The children had a life of adventure growing up in Southeast Portland on a 3 1/2 acre property, playing in what they called the Reed College Swamp, which is a breathtaking nature preserve in the middle of the city directly adjacent to the family property. When Brigita was 15 years old and Alberts was 12, baby sister Lolita was born. The family lived next door to their paternal grandmother, Lidija Ritmanis, and uncle Zigurds Ritmanis. Alberts was very active in the local Latvian community and spoke fluent Latvian. Weekends and summers were spent with other Latvian families, cultivating friendships and preserving their heritage through an array of cultural activities. Alberts graduated from Cleveland High School in Portland. Throughout high school, Alberts had many interests, especially history and political science. He played the upright bass in the orchestra and was on the cheer squad at CHS. He graduated high school in 1968. 50 years later, Alberts helped organize his high school class reunion and maintained his close friendships from childhood until his final days.

Alberts attended Lewis and Clark College and graduated from Portland State University in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science. He worked in an array of jobs all throughout high school and college, from retail to real estate. After getting his undergraduate degree, he continued his education by earning an Associate Degree in Food Science Technology from Mount Hood Community College (1977), followed by a Masters Degree in Business Administration from City College (1979). He began his career at Nabisco where he eventually became General Supervisor of Material Planning. Alberts stayed at Kraft/Nabisco his entire career.

Throughout his life, Alberts was a world traveler with a true adventurous spirit. He drove through Turkey, skied in the Swiss Alps, and enjoyed a good pint of beer in Munich. He spent one summer studying German in Salzburg, Austria. He traveled to Latvia numerous times during the Communist occupation, as well as after Latvia regained it's independence in 1990. Alberts was a singer in the vocal group “Dzintars” (tr. “Amber") touring the USA and Canada. He loved spending time at the family cabin in Hood Canal, Washington. Alberts was an expert waterskier and enjoyed owning his own boat. He was also an avid snow skier, regularly skiing on the slopes of Mt Hood.

Alberts was married to Jeanine Erskine in 1981, a marriage which brought two wonderful sons into their lives. Phillips was born in 1983, and Christopher was born in 1988. When the marriage ended, Alberts moved back into his childhood home, next door to the home Alberts and Jeanine had built on the family property. He never remarried, but remained good friends with Jeanine as they raised their sons.

After Albert’s Parkinson’s diagnosis, Christopher, who lived in an apartment above the garage, became his father’s daily helper. Alberts lived independently in his home, never surrendering to his illness. Phillips and his partner Kim and their two children lived just up the Ellis Street hill. He was surrounded with love, care and weekly family dinners. Alberts enjoyed rooting for the Oregon Ducks with his family. Whenever speaking about his grandchildren, his face would light up. The pride and joy the two little ones brought to Albert's life in his final years was beautiful to behold.

Anyone who knew Alberts felt his kindness, his humor, and the joy he carried into every room. He will be greatly missed.

In loving memory:
Son Phillips Ritmanis and his partner Kimberly Skillicorn, son Christopher Ritmanis, grandchildren Quinn and Leni Ritmanis, sister Brigita Jameson and her husband Paul Jameson, sister Lolita Ritmanis-Mattson and her husband Mark Mattson, niece Andra Staško and her husband Pēteris Staško, niece Daira Popalardo and her husband Dennis Popalardo, nephew Andris Mattson, niece Aija Mattson-Jovel and her husband Erick Jovel, niece Ilze Barton and her husband Russell Barton, grandnephews and nieces: Markus Staško, Kaija Staško, Christian Popalardo, Lilija Jovel, as well as Albert’s extended family in the USA, Australia and Latvia and his many dear friends.

A Celebration of the Life of Alberts Ritmanis will be held on:
Sunday, May 31st @ 11AM.
Reflections, Music, Laughter & Tears.
Brunch will be served.
Location:
Oregon Latvian Center
5500 SW Dosch Rd
Portland, OR 97239

Please contact Alberts son, Phillips Ritmanis (503.998.3499) for any questions.
We look forward to seeing you all on May 31st.
If you will be attending the brunch, as well as traveling from out of town, please email us at rememberingalberts@gmail.com so that we may plan accordingly.

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