Phillip Ulrich

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn Phillip’s passing on Sunday, July 7, 2024. He was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital Comox, to Jacob and Elizabeth (Kletzel) Ulrich, with his (older) twin brother John, Sept. 6, 1937.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Madelin, step-daughter Eileen, grand daughter Morgan, twin brother John, sisters Maggie, Regina, many nephews and nieces, and extended family and friends.

Predeceased by his father 1950, mother 1986, brothers Joe 2012, Steve 2022, sisters Catherine 2000, Agnes 2005, and Marie 2020.

At the age of 17, he and John attended Nanaimo Vocational School, training as a Heavy Duty Mechanic and apprenticed at Alaska Pine and Cellulose Logging, Port McNeil, BC. Returning to Courtenay about 1958 he worked for Nib Johnston Motors. At this time he bought 4 acres on Webb Road and with John’s helping hand he built a house before he moved to Prince George, BC about 1962-3. Up until the 1980’s he worked in Northern BC, first for Ben Ginter Construction connecting Hwy 16 from Prince George to McBride, then the new PG Fraser River Crossing Connector, and the railway north of Fort St. James. Under Premier Bennett’s infrastructure of BC he worked pipelines on the Liard River, Fort St. John down central BC and into the Kootenays. Next was Powerlines from Williston Lake in the North to Chilliwack in the lower mainland. Upon returning to Vancouver Island he worked for Tayco Paving.

He married Madelin in 1965 and together made frequent trips to Alberta and Saskatchewan attending 14 Family Reunions, and getting to know long distance relatives. Another favorite was going to Country and Gospel Bluegrass Festivals and camping 4-5 days with fellow music enthusiasts. The last festival was at Millet AB in 2022. Back on the Island time was spent camping and motorbike riding the back logging roads on Mt. Washington. For over 25 years; every summer (4-5 months) was spent at the cabin at Chilanko Forks BC, where twin brother John also lives. Phil and John were happiest having a project to do. They renovated John’s 1950’s house which included digging the basement by hand. They also built a shop plus out buildings and fenced the acreage. He was most proud when a job was well done.

His twin brother John was not only a brother but his closest friend and they spent many happy hours fishing, preferring remote, still, lakes away from crowds. Hunting was also their passion and many dawn to dusk days, were spent together looking for grouse and deer in the stillness of the woods.

He was raised Catholic and confirmed in 1945. The 10 Commandments was his guide to a life well lived. With faith in God, he attended Central Evangelical Free Church believing in God as his Savior.

His home was his castle and though not well for the last few months he was able to be there most of the time. He was a kind gentle man who always had a smile and a twinkle in his eye. He was friendly, a good listener and always had stories to tell with a chuckle that put you at ease. He was trustworthy and whatever he did, he did well. He will be in our memories forever and greatly missed.

We want to Thank Dr. Gee for his personal care over 14 years; and all the Doctors, Nurses, Health Care Aides for their dedicated compassionate care of him during his brief time at the Comox Valley Hospital.

A memorial service will be held at Central Evangelical Free Church, 765 McPhee Ave. on Sunday July 21/24 at 2PM with refreshments to follow.