Northwest golf designer and developer Jack Frei passes away

Jack Frei, who helped design several Pacific Northwest golf courses, died at the age of 65 after battling cancer for 18 months.

Frei might be best known for his design work as he created Bear Creek Country Club in Woodinville, Wash., Echo Falls in Woodinville, Desert Canyon in Orondo, Wash. and McCormick Woods in Port Orchard, Wash.

Frei helped develop and run Desert Canyon for 12 years and his course design is continually ranked among the best in the Northwest. Notable holes include the par-5 sixth, a 600-yard monster that runs along the edge of a cliff and offers a dramatic view of the Columbia River.

Frei played golf for the University of Washington golf team.