Robert (Bob) J. Ulrich of Bellevue passed away suddenly in South Carolina on Thursday, June 20, 2013.
Bob was born in Buffalo, N.Y., on Nov. 27, 1943. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Paula Ulrich. He is survived by his wife Jane Ulrich of Bellevue; brother Gregory Ulrich (Lorene); sisters Frances Ulrich (Nick Elliott) and Christine Gibbons (William); brothers Kevin Ulrich (Julie), Mark Ulrich (Mimi), and Paul Ulrich (deceased); brothers-in-law David Elbrecht (Adele) and Edward Elbrecht (Janet). He was the favorite uncle of Gretchen Ulrich, Marla Ulrich, Madeline Ulrich, Grace Ulrich, Simon Ulrich, Evan Elbrecht (deceased), Michael Elbrecht and Ben Elbrecht.
After graduating from college in Cleveland, Ohio, he moved west and worked on the ski patrols at Aspen and Crystal Mountain. Bob took his first airplane lesson at Lake Union in Seattle and fell in love with sea planes. He worked for Reeve Air in Alaska and was the only Goose pilot in Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Bob moved back to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1985 where he worked as a corporate pilot. He was a passionate and highly respected instructor pilot. Bob retired to the Wood River Valley in 2006 and continued to work as a corporate and instructor pilot.
In the 1960s, Bob took up skiing, and it became his No. 1 passion. He worked on the Guest Services crew for Sun Valley Co. in 2007. You could always recognize Bob on the mountain from his 215s, stretch pants and sunglasses. He was a picture of the 70s ski era. Bob skied as often as he could. Bob acquired his love of railroading from his grandfather and father, who both worked for the New York Central Railroad. His collection of O-gauge NYC graced every Christmas tree and provided him with hours of enjoyment. He is loved and missed by all who knew him.
Friends may gather at Mahoney’s in Bellevue on Wednesday, June 26, 2013, from 6-7 p.m. and raise a glass in honor of Bob’s great life. Arrangements have been made by Wood River Chapel. Please visit www.woodriverchapel.com to sign the guest book, share a photo or story, or light a candle.
Bob was an avid reader and hiker. Donations can be made in his honor to the Bellevue Public Library, P.O. Box 825, Bellevue, Idaho 83313 and the Wood River Land Trust, 119 E. Bullion, Hailey, Idaho 83333.
