Remembering Ulrich

  • I have one anecdote to share about Ulrich. He was raised to be a single-seat pilot through and through: responsible for every action in his aircraft and proud of it. He recounted to me at a safety meeting at the Royal Oak how, during his first takeoff in the Falcon simulator, he was reprimanded for reaching over to select the gear and flaps up by his own hand, Incredulous, he told the instructor to freeze the sim. He turned to face the instructor and asked in disgust, you mean to tell me that I have to ask this guy to raise my landing gear and flaps?! What a shock this had to be, as he realized in that moment that not only do transport pilots NOT pull G, or fly upside down, or fly low level, or worry about their only engine, BUT they get to share or even delegate the most mundane of cockpit duties. It was mildly insulting to suggest that Ulrich or any other high-performance jet pilot could not have done all that by himself. That really got me chuckling and it took me back to my own first takeoff in the Challenger. That was fun safety meeting.

    — LCol. (Ret’d) Marc Robert, CF-18 Hornet and CC-144 Pilot and 412 Squadron Commander

  • One day I got a call from Ulrich ; hey I'm flying over to Potter's hanger in Gatineau, wanna come. Hey man you don't need to twist my arm  I'm good with that. Ok he said, I'll pick you up at Rideau Valley Airpark.  OK I said I  can be there in 45 minutes. I arrived just in time to see him landing. What a treat.  We took off, my first time in his aircraft. Awesome!! As we flew along he would write on this piece of paper then do some figuring and write some more. This went on until I just couldn't let this go without asking. Ulrich, what are you doing? .......oh it's an old habit of mine from flying jets. I record time distance, fuel consumption, airspeed,etc. Huh, I said I never did that. He said, no but then you never flew jets. Nope I sure didn't, only ultralights. We landed at the Gatineau Airport and taxied up to Potter's hanger. I was blown away by what I saw!!! Fighter planes all over the place. WOW!  P51 ,P40, Spitfire, training planes, Harvard and Moths!!! And the floor, you could eat off of. Then I met Mr. Potter and he and Ulrich had a conversation. I didn't hear nor did I need to. It was none of my business and besides I was more interested in looking at the planes. We were there for about an hour and then it was time to head back to Rideau Valley Airpark. I will never forget that day. I saw Ulrich many times through the years at some of our RAA meetings and flying.  I always had the deepest respect for Ulrich. He always had that funny little grin on his face as if he knew something about what was going on that we didn't know. He was a really special person. I only wish that I had known he was making cheese because I certainly would have bought some from him. I will miss  him a lot. There's no one like Ulrich!!

    — Harvey Rule, Challenger Ultralight pilot

  • I first met Rick on 28 SEP 1972. I was flying a twin Huey to Petawawa and when we came in to land I received a curt clearance from the ATC tender at the end of the runway. There didn't seem to be anyone around but I could see a head bobbing up occasionally to take a look around. We went over to the trailer and went inside. It was packed with bodies huddled around a radio which was broadcasting a hockey game. The Tolkien like ATC controller was Rick who I only knew by reputation as a pilot. We crushed in and watched the closing minutes of the fantastic game where Henderson scored for Canada to beat Russia in the world cup final. The trailer erupted. Hugs and kisses all round. The next time I met Rick was ten years later. I was Bopso at Baden and Rick had just joined 421 Sqn. We had the same kind of salacious humour and spent many hours at the bar making totally unsavoury jokes. We had one TBird flight to Madrid where I at least got to visit the Prado. "A complying memory has edited the rest of that weekend down to a brief cinematic blur." Then Rick met Christiane. I thought what's this attractive intelligent girl doing with Rick?? I soon found out and Ihe rest is history Rick was one of those great characters that we are lucky to occasionally encounter who lived a full life and brought much happiness to many.i can never think of him without remembering that hockey game. Thanks Rick. It was a slice.


    Francis Kevin Lawlor — BOpsO, Baden-Soellingen

  • “I got to know Bollinger through the Yellow Wings program, though I knew him before through my dad (Rob), his cheese factory and his Bush Caddy. He was a great leader and pilot, direct and clear (and colourful) with his communication. You always knew where you stood with him, a man of integrity and a thoughtful mentor. I remember flying with him in the Cornell once - his before landing checklist was something along the lines of, “Fuel guuuuud. Oil temp guuuuud. Mags guuuuud. What the fuck else is there in here?” That’s the only way I had ever heard him talk, so I was astonished at the first press interview he did for Yellow Wings - he was eloquent and polished! I will remember his authenticity, his piercing blue eyes, and the register cover that he had duct-taped to his Bush Caddy.

    — Heather Fleck, Naturopathic Doctor, Air Canada Jazz pilot and Yellow Wings Team Lead

  • Back in February 1981, my wife, Ginette, then full of child again, a nearly three-year son, Mathieu, and I moved into a single dwelling home – a rarity for Canadians posted in Germany will attest – in the small village of Schwarzach, just off the departure end of the southwestern runway in Baden-Soëllingen. As luck would have it, living “on the economy (off base)”, our neighbor was a French Canadian teacher who had a son of her own, Hugo, a little older than Mathieu so the connection was nearly instant in a strange land for all of us then. I had met Rick Bollinger in a previous life, not sure which one it was, and was pleased to soon realize that Christiane the Teacher and Rick had a thing going so I got to see him often at night and during weekends. No, I’m not going to go over the gazillion anecdotes and stories about how great Ulrich was, for he was, as that it is not the point of what I believe this story to be unique. A couple of months after our arrival, around Mathieu’s birthday, I went jogging – yes, I did that then – on a nice Sunday afternoon. During my absence, Christiane, Hugo, and Rick came over knocking on our door to ask whether Mathieu would like to come along to “feed the swans.” Ginette accepted but decided to wait for me as she was nearly nine months pregnant then. As Christiane’s groups was strolling along a foot bridge crossing one of flood canals alongside the Rhine river, our three-year old gets excited and suddenly decides that he wants to get closer to the swans. He starts pulling away from Christiane who was holding his hand. The next event happens pretty fast: kid wants to pull away, adult holds tight on kid’s hand for safety reasons, elastic motion ensues and smaller kid’s hand win, sending him rolling on the foot bridge, under the guard rail and into the flood canal with a big splash. Christiane screams at Rick who was a few meters ahead of girlfriend and kids. As he runs back to them, Rick notices immediately that one is missing-in-action as he sees that Mathieu is in the water, struggling for air. His first thought: “Hey, the Rocheforts are pretty smart! They taught their three-year old how to swim!” Except Mathieu did not know how to swim, yet, and the reason that he was barely on the surface was that his winter jacket had filled with air as he made his plunge and that air was slowly leaking out of his coat, dragging him inexorably into the murky waters of the canal. Without hesitation, Rick jumped into the canal and somehow was able to reach Mathieu and drag him out of the water. Obviously, Mathieu was not in a good state from his experience so Christiane and Rick decide to take him to the hospital, just in case. Whilst on the way there, Mathieu goes into shock and stops breathing so Rick has to give him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to which Mathieu eventually responds positively. Check up at the hospital done and, other than a good fright and wet clothes, Mathieu is recovering. Christiane says she’s going to stay with the kids – Mathieu does not speak English – and sends Rick off to notify parents that their son is in the hospital but doing well and that he needs dry clothes. Rick shows up at our door again – I’m still jogging – minus three of the original swan-feeding party. Ginette answers the door and Rick asks if I’m back from jogging. She replies in the negative but notices that Rick is all wet. Now she’s a little bit worry and questions Rick as to where Mathieu is. Rick assures Ginette that Mathieu is ok but tells her that she should come with him to the hospital to retrieve Mathieu. Seeing that Ginette is now showing real concern and pain, a thought crosses his mind: “Great! I just saved a kid from drowning and now his mother is going to pop on me with another one and I have to assist in the delivery!” I eventually returned from jogging and there’s nobody home. When Ginette and Mathieu arrive, I’m in the shower. One can easily imagine how things were in our household after that commotion. Some time following the event, I wrote up Rick for a Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) commendation. Rick and Christiane never knew that. After an interview with lawyers in Lahr, I was eventually informed that Canadian Forces Europe (CFE) would not proceed with a recommendation for the award: no witness other than a life partner, her son, and a three-year old kid who fell in the water. I suppose that what with all the charlatans in the world, processing these awards is done pretty thoroughly. In my mind and that of my family, however, it happened and Rick saved our son from drowning on that fateful Sunday back in 1981. Mathieu now is 47, married with Laura, and they have two children of their own. Our daughter-in-law has never met Rick but is well aware that, without Rick, she would have never met the man of life, have children from him and have a happy life. So, you see, by jumping in the water over 40 years ago to save a drowning kid, Rick not only did something that impacted that kid’s life and that of his parents, he touched the lives of many that he would never meet. Rest in peace, Ulrich! You will be forever remembered!

    — Pierre “Roach” Rochefort, CF-104 Starfighter pilot

  • "When I arrived at 421 Squadron in late 1981, the squadron was filled with pilots who had come straight from the fighter training mill – “pipeliners” was what we were called. So, it was reassuring to have a few old-timers like Ulrich (all of 40-something) to pass along their wealth of experience. And Ulrich was uniquely good at this task. He had lost several friends during his time on Starfighters and seemed determined not to lose anymore. Much of what he passed along had to do with flying safely at 200 feet and 500 knots, and knowing whereabouts you were, but he also had much wisdom to pass along regarding the best places to visit in Germany and Switzerland. Ulrich was never without a smile or a kind word and we loved him for it. He’ll not be forgotten."

    — LGen (Ret’d) Tom Lawson, CMM, CD - Former Chief of the Defence Staff, Starfighter and Hornet driver.

  • I was instructing at 417 Sqn when Rick’s 104 course went through Cold Lake late 1977. Every course had its own style/flavour but Rick’s Course 7703 was defined by Rick’s personality. After checking my logbook, I see that I never actually flew with Rick, but with all his classmates. It was later in 1978 while on TD to 421 in Baden for augmentation that I really got to enjoy the Bollinger Experience. Beercalls in Baden with Bollinger et al were unforgettable good times. Where have all the characters gone? Rick made the RCAF a better place.

    Harv Wregget, Retired Fighter and Airline pilot

  • Dear Ulrich, It feels like only yesterday that you were walking into my hangar, bringing your warm spirit and good conversation. I cherish those moments we spent together, chatting as we prepared delicious Italian meals. I took great pride in working on your BushCaddy and helping to remodel your cowling, not just for the craftsmanship but for the joy of doing it side by side. I remember when you helped me rig my first float set on the Aerotrek, your work was so precise and solid that we ended up using the same setup on your airplane. You even took the time to teach one of my customers how to land on water. For you, everything came so naturally. And I’ll never forget your stories from your flight adventures during the Cold War, especially the one in the F-104. You told me about the moment a bird strike hit the engine intake at low altitude, causing the engine to catch fire and how you had to eject. You said that one out of every two pilots doesn’t survive an ejection like that… but it simply wasn’t your time. We spoke just two weeks before your passing. You were planning to visit me in New Mexico, a visit I was truly looking forward to. You were never a conspiracy theorist, you simply knew what was going on, because, in time, all of your “theories” came true. You saw the world with clarity and conviction, and I admired that deeply. Though you’re no longer with us in this world, I believe the soul does not end, it simply shifts to another dimension. I know you are in a better place. You are remembered with respect, affection, and gratitude. I miss you. Your friend, Humberto Dramisino

    — Humberto Dramisino

  • While on our first VWC spring training flight out of CYND, (02 May 2013) Ulrich and I worked as a crew to execute a dramatic off field landing following a total power loss… we both walked away from it. Calm, cool and collected, Ulrich carried out the final segment of a power off landing into a soft and improvised landing spot. Transported to the hospital by ambulance due to neck & back pains I had the privilege of being with Ulrich… during the transport and all the time spent at the hospital Ulrich, despite a bad cut to his forehead, stayed by my side. He was a tremendous moral supporter but he had terrible “bedside manners”. When the hospital released me I left on my own with mixed emotions as I parted from Ulrich, we had just survived a dramatic flying experience and we were both alive. You see, post “landing” Ulrich relentlessly tortured me for hours with jokes and stories, most of them inappropriate to the hospital staff. He had me laugh so hard for hours that I had abdominal muscle pain the next day, none of which related to our off field landing! Ulrich enjoyed life and every minute of it. That day he showed me support, kindness and genuine affection, the memories of that dramatic day are not about what happened to us but how we sprung back and supported each other, Ulrich had been my best “medicine” that day. Fair wins my friend, RIP Ulrich, I miss you already.

    — Captain Francis Bélanger, Airline captain, Carrier Qualified F-18 pilot and warbird pilot

  • Very sad news indeed, but at least Ulrich lived it out flying all the way to the end. After all, who can brag about casually strapping-in to his own airplane at the age of 85 for a quick sortie to have a second breakfast with a pal somewhere? And this is a man who was already wearing glasses (secretly) in the cockpit of his 104 at 40!!! OK, Gord Welsby was wearing glasses too back then, but he had them on all the time. Ulrich surprised the hell out of me one morning as I was lining up beside him for take off as his wingman; instead of the familiar nod of the head to signal “full AB”, his head was looking down in the cockpit, as if he was fumbling for something. When he reappeared and turned his look in my direction, his eyes were looking at me behind spectacles! On November 19, 1981, my log book says I flew backseat to Ulrich on tail number 661 on a proficiency check. He had not been flying for more than a month (?) for whatever reason and hence needed the check ride in the dual before he could resume normal operations on the squadron, as the rules called for. I never told him this of course, but I felt somewhat out of place with such a task as a young “pipeliner” with barely 650 hours on type and merely 1000 hours total flying time. What the hell was I supposed to do, I could hardly imagine giving him any kind of advice. Well Ulrich just smiled as he signed out at the ops desk and as it turned out, I never touched the stick once and got a hell of a ride for my money! The last time I saw « Rick » was on 421 more than 40 years ago, and I still remember his friendly, yet uncompromising way, and his famous rebut: “That’s bullshit, man!”, told with his slight, but nonetheless noticeable Swiss German accent. Ulrich was the confidence in person, the discreet, self-assured pilot who still made you feel alright, even though you knew he could out manoeuvre you anytime.

    Pierre Malo, Starfighter Pilot

  • Flying with Team Flecko in a Knighthawk Falcon 20 from Winnipeg to Wilmington Ohio, I was being regaled with tales of Ulrich flying Clunks on booze runs to the Duluth Canadian NORAD Det. He told me they used to stay at the “DUL TH” Hotel (The second neon “U” was burned out on the sign). On one occasion, while flying along with me as the Pilot Flying, and Ulrich as the Pilot Not Flying, I asked him, how much farther ’til we’re over Duluth? (as it was one of our check points) He checked the DME and said “210 miles Captain”. I waited some time and asked again. He said “DME says 270 miles Captain. Holy shit, we’re already way past Duluth! …J*sus F***ing Chr*st, we’re still on Winnipeg DME!! Captain, I don’t know why I’m so F***ing stupid. I wasn’t always this F***ing stupid”.

    — Keith (Coyote) Hunt, Calgary

  • On another Knighthawk pairing, we were landing in St. John’s with visions of a Saturday night on George street. Again with me as PF and Ulrich as PNF. (Stories of Ulrich as the Pilot Flying would be boring because of course he was a flawless pilot). It was a usual day in St. John’s with the weather reported as variable 200’ ceiling, ¼ mile vis in fog, and a 20 knot crosswind. That’s right, blowing fog! I was flying my very best ILS and of course it was Ulrich’s job to call decision height, at which point I would decide if we were to enjoy the Newfie delights or return to Moncton. In close proximity to terra firma, Ulrich said “Stand By”…and after a good solid potato...”DECIDE”. At which point the only decision I had to make was who was buying the first round as the aircraft touched down. Taxiing in, Ulrich quipped: “well Captain, we didn’t want to go back to Moncton!” True dat.

    — Keith (Coyote) Hunt, Calgary

  • On a Calgary weekend layover, my in-laws invited the two of us for dinner. They quickly fell in love with Ulrich and although they were pretty strait-laced, they were quite tickled with his colourful language and endless stories. So when my in-laws came to visit us in Ottawa, Ulrich invited us all to a wine and cheese picnic at the farm. We sat at a picnic table and delighted in his cheese, of which he was rightfully proud. There were baby Swiss calves in the coral and my two little girls ran over to pet them. My Mother-in-law said “Oh isn’t that sweet”, to which Ulrich replied: “maybe so, but they’re the stupidest F***in’ animals God ever put on the earth. God certainly broke the mold after he put this fine gentlemen and superb pilot on the earth. If only he had gone into politics!

    — Keith (Coyote) Hunt, Calgary

  • I met Rick in Moose Jaw, where I was a pipeline instructor and he was an "experienced " pilot and instructor (an old guy!). We became drinking buddies and our favorite watering hole was The Royal on River Street- not unlike Bob's Country Bunker in The Blues Brothers- "Oh, we have both kinds of music- Country and Western!" Rick's colorful descriptions and nicknames of some of the local characters were quick witted and hilarious and before the days of political correctness- probably not repeatable in polite company. In between nicknames and comments on the locals he would expound on conspiracy theories and we would solve the problems of the world. At the time it seemed like students were a pain to him, but now after hearing about how respected and appreciated he was as a mentor and a teacher, especially after hearing about the Yellow Wings program, maybe he was just pretending. He would ask other instructors who had flown with students who were weak or especially those with an attitude problem, if the i's were dotted and the t's were crossed in their prog books before the students went before the dreaded CT (Ceased Training) Boards. "We can't have these guys getting off on a technicality!" I was very impressed to hear about what he did to motivate and mentor young pilots and that he kept flying right up to the end. It was very sad to hear about his passing. Tiger, Tiger

    — Ed Solski, 439 Pilot & Rick Bollinger Drinking Buddy

  • Ulrich my friend, you are missed more than you can imagine. I miss our phone calls - always starting with "Paul do you have a second please" - followed closely by "thank you for taking my call". Always unassuming, a steadfast friend, and a wonderful wise worldly man. I loved hearing his stories of the CF-104 days in Germany, and the social life of the "good old days" stationed there. He was an operator, both in the aircraft and socially, boy do I wish I had been able to experience even one Friday beer call with Ulrich back in the day. We all know of his colourful language and skillful use of the F-bomb - my son Devon around age 12 or so at time - was in the car when Ulrich called one afternoon. I unthinkingly put the call on speaker phone and away we went. Devon's eyes got wider and wider in the rearview mirror as Ulrich regaled me with his latest story, peppered with a healthy dose of colourful language. When we hung up, Devon and I had a belly laugh for the centuries, and we still smile when we think back on that moment in time. But Ulrich was so much more than a colourful story teller, he shared his wisdom for those that asked - he provided many good insights to Laura and I as we were struggling to figure out how to transfer the family cottage property into our generation from those before us - he provided key insights to allow that to happen successfully. He was a consummate aviator - literally fire and forget. As a key leader of Yellow Wings on their western swing, he was never someone to worry about - he always made the best decisions, kept a tight happy cohesive team, and never sought the spotlight of recognition. And he was a committed and dedicated husband to Christiane - always making sure he called her to check in when we were away somewhere having a "second breakfast" - an enduring and respectful love. I regret never realizing Ulrich wouldn't be there "tomorrow", and yet I cherished every moment we had "shooting the shit". He was so full of life and vigour, with mischief in his eyes - surely this would go on always?? But he left us pretty much as I think he would have wanted - fairly quickly and not a burden to anyone. He was always thinking of others. I have included my favourite photo of Ulrich - at our family cottage just west of Mattawa - taken in late July 2024. He and Rob made the trek from the Ottawa area to fly to our cottage in their respective aircraft - Ulrich with his beautiful float plane as the centrepiece of this photo and celebration. This was no small effort as it entailed nearly three hours of flying each way - something Ulrich was more than happy to endure - always in search of another mission - especially one with meaning. Having him there with his beautiful craft, gleam in his eyes, and mischievous smile, will remain an enduring memory seared into my mind for all time - especially when standing on the cottage shore and watching the sunset..... Fly on my friend, I will think of you often and always smile, maybe with a tear in my eyes, but that's just fine, you are cherished.

    — Paul “Rose” Kissmann, Former 433 Squadron CO, AETE and NRC test pilot, Vintage Wings Chief Pilot, Air Canada Pilot

  • In 1979 when my family and I we’re posted to Baden and 421 Sqn Ulrich, was our sponsor. He picked us up in Lahr using the drunk bus and took us off to accommodations he had found for us in Lichtenau. He helped us move in, filled the fridge and bar and if I remember correctly dragged me off to beer call. As always he did things with a flourish! My son Shawn/Burner and I shared the cost and maintenance on a super little Alpha Romeo convertible. Even early on Ulrich really liked the car. Shawn shipped off to RMC and now I owned the Spider. On my posting to Heidelberg, Rick still wanted to buy the car so we worked a deal (probably over several rum and coke) and I sold it to him. Before his return to Canada he literally did a full refurbishment on the vehicle including a vibrant red paint job. All done, snazzy new sports car for our friend and off it went to Hamburg for shipping to Canada - only never to be seen again! Hopefully some European is enjoying Ulrich’s car at Ulrich’s expense! Who knows? Hi ZiggyZumba

    — Tom Byrne Yogi 45, Former 412 Squadron Starfighter Pilot

  • I first met Ulrich in 2012 when the Yellow Wings crew was passing through. I was not involved with VWC at that point, but I had kept in touch a with few that were. I remember meeting Ulrich for the first time at Earl’s Restaurant in Winnipeg. Todd told me that Ulrich was the Harvard pilot and the team lead. He also mentioned that Ulrich was an ex-104 driver and was kind of a “caged animal”! Anyways, Ulrich and I bonded quickly about some mutual interests and became good friends right after. I spent most of the evening talking about flying the Harvard and our various experiences. After getting involved with VWC in 2013, I spent more time with Ulrich. He always found a way to keep us entertained with his humorous approach to just about any situation. From restaurant seating arrangements to politics, to his thoughts on academics, there was never a dull moment. In 2016 when Bruce Evans passed away, I reconnected with Ulrich. Attending the funeral, I ended up sitting with Ulrich, and he had this way of helping us all through that difficult time. He had experienced this sort of thing before, and he knew exactly what to say with the right timing. He could see that many of us were in pain over loosing a friend. The gruff exterior and funny comments turned into strong friendship and support. Ulrich had that ability to connect with people like that. He also knew when to interject with humour or an over-the-top comment that was assured to make you laugh when it was needed most. I kept in touch with Ulrich over the years through email, and I always looked forward to his outlook! There were many moments where I couldn’t stop laughing thinking of him saying the things he would write! For me, I am disappointed I will not be able to attend in person. Our museum in Brandon has been gifted an airworthy Noorduyn Norseman, and I am scheduled to be up north that week getting it ready to bring home. I am the only one that is going, so I pretty much have to be there. I hope there is an online option to attend. One of the best things about VWC was the people. I am glad to have been a part of that, as the people have been excellent.

    — Jeff Bell, Chief Pilot for the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum in Brandon MB

  • What a wonderful man who, unfortunately, can pass you by unnoticed, leaving you wondering who is this guy, where’s he from, what does he do, what is he doing here? Quietly you hear others mentioning his name, then you start noticing this quiet person, a brick of a man in all that he does. Watch and listen ‘cause you may not hear again the wisdom of a lifetime that in his own quiet way he is sharing with those around him if you are fortunate enough to be included. What I will never forget is his quick regard at what you are doing, unnoticed by many but not by me. A brick, too few, too soon, but not forgotten.

    — Ken Wood, AME, Spitfire builder

  • So sorry to hear of Rick’s death and thanks for the contact and arrangements you are making to mark his loss. Sadly Sandy and I will not be able to make it to North Gower for the gathering on 28 June but we will raise a glass and think of you all. Could you pass on our condolences and best wishes to all those who attend please? I knew his name was Ulrich, but I remember him as Rick. We served together on 421 Sqn in Baden-Soellingen for 3 or 4 years together in the late 70s and early 80s. We flew together in formation regularly taking our turns to lead. I always found Rick a well prepared, dedicated and engaged member of the squadron. He was consistently supportive and offered constructive advice and feedback. After Baden I lost active contact with Rick but had occasion to reconnect at the revitalized Gatineau airfield on a Battle of Britain commemoration probably 8 or 10 years ago. And I found him almost unchanged - upbeat and engaged. I send my sincere condolences on his loss. Sandy and I will raise a glass in his memory from Toronto on the 28th. Hi Zigga Zumba.

    — Fras Holman. Ex CO of the Red Indians

  • Gives new context to the word "character" in the traditional sense and the humorous sense. Had the pleasure of flying with Ullrich in the T-Bird and one great aerobatic hop in the Vintage Wings Harvard. A huge "Nickel on the Grass".

    — Col. (Ret’d) Laurie Hawn, Fighter pilot, Member of Parliament

  • Christiane, Both Sally and I loved Ulrich. We loved having him stay with us at the ranch. He sure was a breath of fresh air! I don’t know how I could have made it thru Bruce’s crash in Cold Lake without his guidance and support. It meant a lot to me. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Love Todd & Sally, Nanton, Alberta

    — Todd Lemieux, Warbird Pilot, Rancher, Petroleum executive

  • I am profoundly saddened to hear this. Urlich was an absolute stalwart on 439 Sqn in the Starfighter era and a strong supporter of me as a brand new major on the squadron. He was what every squadron commander in the Cold War could wish for - loyal, a true professional and a gifted aviator but still one of the boys who commanded the respect of every person on the squadron - officer, NCO and NCM alike. He was a great teacher of the fighter pilot profession to all of us on squadron, colourful language and all. I know he carried that passion forward to the Yellow Wings program at Vintage Wings. Fly high Ulrich - Per Ardua ad Astra from all those fortunate to have known you.

    — LCol. (Ret’d) Dan Dempsey, Fighter Pilot, Snowbird Lead, Hawk One Lead, Historian

  • I met Captain Bollinger in Europe, we served in the same squadron. We met again quite a few years later in the early years Vintage Wings. I will miss this colorful guy, his jokes and stories. Fair winds my friend. Till Valhalla.

    — André Laviolette, AME

  • I met him once after one of his fellow 104 pilots, who I was working for, told me about his cheese. As a big fan of cheese I had to check it out. As I was paying for my purchase I asked him if he was in the right profession, because he looked more like a fighter pilot than cheese maker. He did a double take and said "Do I know you?" at which point I had to confess to inside information.

    —Cameron Fraser, Pilot

  • Saddened to know I won’t get a chance to chat with him again truly a colourful gregarious individual. Lots of fond memories of good laughs around the lunch table. My deep condolences to his family and friends

    — Korrey Foisy, Aircraft Painter

  • Ulrich was an outstanding individual! He will be missed! My deepest condolences to his family.

    — BGen (Ret’d) Gaston Cloutier, RCAF

  • I liked him. I also admired his exuberant way with the English language 😉 But I most of all appreciated his role as mentor and instructor during our Yellow Wings tours in 2011/12. He took great care to shepherd his pilots and maintainers as they flew across the country, giving rides safely to young people at a hundred Canadian airports. He was a good leader, and a loyal friend.

    — Dave Hadfield, Airline and Warbird Pilot

  • Will miss his sharp and spicy wit that kept all on their toes. They don’t make them like this any more…

    — Sally Bishop, Rodeo Trick Rider and Movie Stuntwoman

  • It is both a sad day for the flying community to lose this legend and a tragic day no doubt for his family as it happened so fast. Our hearts go out to you. Ulrich certainly showed us how to live life to the fullest . He might have used a few colourful adjectives along the way but he was a true gentleman and loyal friend that will be forever missed. 😢😘

    — Laura Kissmann, RCAF and Wholistic Wellness Professional

  • I’m so sorry to hear of this. He was a wonderful character and provided many interesting stories. He’ll be missed very much.

    — Kathryn Evans

  • Truly one of the most colourful people I've ever had the pleasure to meet and fly with. You will most certainly never be forgotten Ulrich. Blue skies my friend.

    — Peter Handley, Graphic Designer, Photographer

  • This is awful news... He was a helluva pilot, and great fun to fly with. A real character too; I shall never forget his wicked sense of humor!

    — Richard Mallory Allnutt, Aviation writer and photographer, Satellite Engineer

  • What unexpected bad news. I learned a lot about aviating.. and swearing from him.

    — Peter Ashwood-Smith, Aerobatic Pilot

  • He had an exuberant way with the English language. In 2011 at Wetaskawin Alberta we drove up bright and early to find two RCMP officers waiting for him. They both wanted a flight in the Harvard, no questions asked!! Blue skies Ullrich!

    — Steve MacKenzie, Aircraft Enthusiast and Vintage Wings Volunteer

Hi Zigga Zumba