It is with great sadness to announce that Ulf Bitterlich passed away peacefully in his Ryder Lake home. Born to Gerhard and Eugenice (Henes) Bitterlich in the region of Lasatio Saxony near Dresden, Germany. He is predeceased by his sister Gudrun Johannas Aiff, also known as Honey.
He is survived by his loving wife Felicia, brother Adolf, son Mario, daughter Iris, seven nieces and nephews in Sweden and two in Canada.
Ulf apprenticed as a nurseryman in Germany and was also trained in Mountain Rescue. He immigrated to Canada in 1951 and worked for the Forest industry on Vancouver Island. In 1960 he started work for B.C. Forest Service on an experimental tree farm at Borden Creek Nursery. He was the only employee at that time. later the nursery moved up Chilliwack River Valley.
This became a large commercial seedling nursery. Ulf became Superintendent and retired in 1988 when it closed down.
Ulf was an avid mountaineer. In November of 1954 he was requested by the RCMP to rescue an injured hiker at Mt. Arrowsmith and was awarded the Royal Canadian Humane Association prized silver medal for Bravery. It was his third rescue in the past two years. Ulf and his brother Adolf were known for being part of the first Canadian expedition to reach the top of Mt. Waddington, the tallest peak in British Columbia.
Ulf and Felicia (Ehlers) were married in December of 1960 and bought their home in Ryder Lake where they started their family.
Ulf loved the nature and had many interests such as boating, hiking, gardening and travel to Costa Rica. He was a talented artist which included carving, sculpture, drawing, painting, weaving. His wood prints were a subject of Art Exhibitions and Native Culture stories were the subject of his art.
In later years he was known for his long walks with his Jack Russell Terrier, spending time in his garden and of course his art.
Ulf battled cancer in his sixties and beat it twice.
He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. May he rest in peace.
The family would like to thank the doctors and Home Support for their loving care and compassion to the family.