Long time Gresham resident Richard Robert Ulrich, 89, died at his home on May 31, 2010.
A funeral service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sandy
on Friday, June 4th, 2010 at 2 p.m. Viewing will be held Thursday evening at Sandy Funeral Home from 4 to 7 PM and again on Friday at the church prior to the service starting at 1p.m.
Richard was born October 17, 1920 in Filer, Idaho to Louis and Ida (Werner) Ulrich. He was raised and received his schooling in the Rupert Eden area. After completing school he worked on his uncle’s farm where they raised potatoes and sugar beets. Richard moved to the Sandy, Gresham, Portland area when he was 19 where he took advantage of several experiences and different occupations including logging and heavy equipment operator.
A few years after moving to Oregon he met Evelyn Wagner. They were married August 30, 1942 in Vancouver, WA. They settled in Gresham and started their family.
Richard was a “natural” when it came to mechanical work and eventually became an automotive machinist. From there he went on to work for Reynolds Metal and finally wound up in the shipyards in Portland working for Northwest Marine Ironworks. He completed his working career there retiring in 1982 at the age of 62.
Richard had many hobbies and interests over the years. He and Evelyn were avid rock hounds and spent many days in Eastern Oregon and Nevada searching for “treasures”. He also enjoyed camping, bow-hunting and fishing. Richard was a dedicated bowler and bowled until the week before his death. He loved life and giving back to others. He was involved in his church and was a “Laborer for Christ”. He spent many hours helping build Lutheran Churches, church schools and housing for the elderly.
Survivors include his wife Evelyn; sons, Ron Ulrich of Sandy and Dan Ulrich of Culver; daughter Lola Flisram of Damascus; 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
Contributions may be made in Richard’s name to the Immanuel Youth.