In Memory of

Harlis

"Carl"

Ulrich

Obituary for Harlis "Carl" Ulrich

Harlis “Carl” Ulrich


Harlis Carl Ulrich, 88, passed away peacefully on Friday June 8, 2018 at Skagit Valley Hospital with his family beside him. He was born on September 3, 1929 in Twin Falls Idaho. He was the oldest child of Frank and Faye (Domrose) Ulrich.
Carl joined the Navy to assist in the Korean War from 1948-1952. While he was home on leave, he met Dorothy May McLeod. They were married on June 10, 1951 and began a beautiful, devoted, loving, and adventurous life together for the next 56 years. They had two children, Mark and Nancy. Carl was very devoted to his wife and children, family being the most important part of his life.
Carl’s love of education and knowledge developed into desire for a college degree to become a teacher, school principal and after he obtained his Doctorate in Education, he became a School Superintendent. He loved working with children, young adults and his faculty. He retired in 1987 from the Coupeville School District as their Superintendent. During the years in Coupeville, Carl was very active in the Lyons Club and the Coupeville United Methodist Church.
He lived life to it’s fullest. Carl always had a positive attitude. He was kind, humorous and always had a chuckle to share. 11 years ago when his wife passed away, his world changed and he no longer had his devoted, loving companion Dorothy by his side. They had been married for 56 years. They moved 12 times during their married life and it was always a family decision on where the next move would be. Dorothy always supported Carl in every way, always placing his needs before hers. They were rarely ever apart in their retirement years. They enjoyed helping Mark on his ranch, traveling in their motor home, golfing, vacationing with kids and grandkids whenever possible, mining sapphires in Montana and fishing in Alaska. The last 25 years they lived in “HAPPY TRAILS” resort in Surprise, AZ. They had many cherished neighbors, golf buddies and friends that became their “extended family”. In the last few years, his house became the 4:00 Happy Hour “Place to Be”. There might be 2 people or 14 people. Carl always welcomed anyone in to his home, the more the merrier!
In April, 2018, Carl moved to Oak Harbor to spend the summer with his daughter and son in law, Nancy and Ricky Horning. His plan was to go back to Arizona in October, but the Lord called him home just in time to celebrate what would have been Carl and Dorothy’s 67th wedding anniversary. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends. He was a man of honor and integrity with unconditional love for all of those who had the opportunity to know him.
Carl is survived by his son Mark and wife Jody Ulrich of Mattawa, his daughter Nancy and her husband Ricky of Oak Harbor. There are also 4 adult grandchildren, Michelle, Casie, Cameron, Katie and her husband Stephen, and 2 great granddaughters Neveah and Kylie. He loved his family and cherished the special times when they were growing up, but also the time they spent together in their adult lives.
His grandchildren use these words to describe him: Smart, loving, compassionate, kind, optimistic, accepting, funny, caring and adventurous. To his children, he was all that and more.
He is now at peace with his heavenly Father, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
There will be a Memorial Service on Saturday, June 30th, 2018 at 2 pm at Wallin Funeral Home, in Oak Harbor, Washington.

in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the George Brain and GaySelby Faculty Award in Education and Leadership. In care of Andrea Farmer P.P. Box 642114 Pullman, WA. 99164-2114