I got to know Ulrike (or Rik as she went by back then) while we were in high school in the late 1970s. We took some classes together and she cajoled me into writing (very) occasional contributions to the school newsletter that she edited. At high school, she was already independently minded and one of the few people interested in punk and new wave music. She introduced many of us to Patti Smith and we learned that she was passionate in her beliefs and that you needed to be able to fight your corner if she challenged you. She was also a very warm and considerate person and someone you could bounce ideas and thoughts off of in the negotiation of those awkward late teen years.  

Following high school, our paths diverged as I was the traveler, inter-railing around Europe and studying in the UK, while Rik stayed in Guelph.  We exchanged letters a couple of times a year and I always looked forward to hers as she expertly interweaved a bit of gossip with thoughts on culture and the utility of higher education. We briefly overlapped in Guelph in the mid-80s, but after that, we lost touch as we both left the city for different parts of Canada.

Some 20 years later we reconnected over an interest in touring bicycles, and an erratic exchange of emails ensued. About 8 years ago I happened to be passing through Vancouver and I sent her a last-minute email hoping she’d be around. As good fortune would have it, she was. Ulrike re-arranged her plans at very short notice and was a great host, with a refined knowledge of local hostelries and expert advice on what to see and do in Vancouver.  She delighted in bringing me up to speed with her numerous travel plans and local activism as well as the latest news of her family. It was wonderful to see her and to witness at first hand that she had lost none of her warmth, spark and spirit. We promised we would try to keep in regular touch, but our correspondence remained stochastic.  

It was a great shock to learn of Ulrike’s sudden passing. I always admired her fearlessness and adventurous free-spirited nature and I occasionally lived vicariously through reading of her travels.  It is clear from other tributes here that Ulrike led a full and rich life and touched many people. The world is a lesser place with her gone and I will miss the thought of her cycling in far flung corners of globe.  My sincere condolences to her family and many friends.

I was a friend of Ulrike in high school. She was quick-witted, clever and enthusiastic, and was immediately accepted into our group when she moved from Toronto to Guelph.

Jurgen, I cannot believe Ulrike ever played with Barbies; that is so unlike the "Rikki" I knew!

Although we drifted apart, Ulrike was still part of my life, as I heard of her many escapades with and through my sister Chris. I was never as bold and daring as Ulrike, and am in awe of her many adventures that I've read of here.

My condolences to the whole family; you have lost a much-loved treasure! Tiger and Jurgen, I remember with fondness how much she cared for you both, and was not shy to express that, even as a teenager. Thank you to the family for making me welcome in your home so many years ago!

I am so sorry to hear that Ulrike passed away. We were in a great group of friends at Centennial CVI in Guelph in the late 70s. I lost touch with her after high school, but it's wonderful to read of her many contributions and initiatives. My sincere condolences to her family and friends. The picture was taken in 1978 or 1979 in Rockwood, Ontario, during a short autumn hike.

There is greatness and Ulrike, in the same breath. I did not know but my soul has been nourished by her writings, her wonderful humanity and the unique soul she was.  My heart cries for her and the tears of all the people who have signed and others who have acknowledged will celebrate her forever. If  U knew U, then you must have been blessed.

Ulie my dear friend, over the past 13 years you’ve been my faithful companion over countless shared meals, cocktails, comedy - good and bad, plays, dance, movies, multiple road trips to Washington state and that horrible time we checked out theatre sports.

In August during our annual trip to Havana for Mojitos you disclosed that you were struggling to understand the computer system at your new job. I tried to assure you sometimes it takes us older folks more time to learn new things. In September you took me to a “new” restaurant for my 50th birthday but didn’t realize we had been there before and both agreed to never go back. I laughed because I hadn't recognized the name of the restaurant but you were more concerned as your issues at work had not gone away. And on a sunny November day over a beautiful lunch you told me you quit your job as the cognitive issues were not resolving, that the doctor was running tests but nothing was confirmed. I let you know that I was there for you and could see by your reaction that you felt that to be true.

We’ve had many amazing times together but that day stood out as one of the most lovely and heartwarming. I felt honoured to be your friend and know the feeling was mutual. Sadly, that was the last time I saw you and now feel gutted that I couldn’t make a date happen in December.

We’ve both been through so much in 13 years and have been steadfast at each others side through it all. I’ve admired your ability to unabashedly sit at a bar by yourself and you said you admired my ability to tell it like it is. I feel so absolutely devastated by your loss Ulie and I want you to know how much I love and admire you. I miss you terribly my dear friend.

Ulrike was a wonderful friend during one of the most difficult times of my life (mid 80s in Guelph) and although we ended up at opposite ends of the Earth, we still occasionally got in touch. Opinionated but fair and always supportive and kind - but never taking any bullshit. She was always unashamedly herself. Ulrike, you were a bright star, so full of energy and life. You will be sorely missed. I’m sure that she’ll be telling those in the afterlife what they could be doing better.

Ulrike's endowment fund is now able to accept donations. Donations can be made online, or writing a cheque to Vancity Community Foundation and writing Basic Needs and Mitey Deeds on the memo line. Cheques can be mailed to:

Vancity Community Foundation
409 - 312 Main Street
Vancouver, BC
Canada V6A 2T2

I didn't know Ulrike well, but over the years of living in the Fairfax, I would run into her around the building. I'd see her leaving or returning with her bike, or tidying up around the property. This past summer a few of us residents, including Ulrike, shared drinks and snacks in the garden several times... neighbours getting to know each other a little during a difficult time. Ulrike rounded up several of us to spread a huge load of bark mulch around the garden beds of the property and had plans to replant them with new greenery. She cared, she was a dedicated soul and we will miss her. 

I have just read 5 pages of memories from friends and family of Ulrike and they have all captured her perfectly.  She was an exceptional woman.

My husband Arthur and I met Ulrike on her 50th birthday weekend at a Gabriole Island Haven Communication Workshop.  She and Art teamed up early in the session for a 5-5-5 exercise.  After that she joined Art and I at meal times so we could get to know each other better.  Since then we got together at least once a year.  On one of her early visits she brought us a bottle of Boujelais wine called "FUN" which my husband really enjoyed and bought for years, mainly to remember Uli.  I think where ever Uli went she brought fun and joy and honesty.  She was very supportive to me during my husbands' illness and death.  I am so glad I got to know her and that she was able to attend my 70th birthday celebration in 2019.  I loved reading her blogs and sharing in her travel adventures.  Bring your joy and outgoing spirit to your new domain Uli.  Love, Jan

Uli and I both moved to Vancouver in 1992. I met her at the A&B Sound training. She had just been hired to work as a graphic designer at their HQ and I was working at the downtown retail location. I remember going to many concerts with Uli (free tickets from the record labels). During these performances, she liked to move around the night club watching and listening to the bands from different view points.

The picture with the yellow blind was her the first appartment she rented in Mount Pleasant after living in the West End. It was was up the hill from 4th Avenue. That night we went to a Fetish party at a night club. Her in black heels and a playful attire. Ulrike knew how to create an adventure out of every outing she made whether it was in her own city or half way around the world.

Uli love doing road trips. We did many together. Several camping adventures included setting up a tent at the edge of a farmer field one night. We also camped up around Boston Bar at a free camp site. (I can't find all the pictures from these adventures sadly:( It was a camp site that had more black bears than campers. One afternoon we were taking a hike on a trail near the site and encountered a black bear less than 3 meters away. Uli was very calm, made noise by clapping while I was freaking out inside.

We traveled to Vancouver Island, (see pics) and hopped on walk on passenger ferry that stopped at many places. I think it was near Ucluelet, BC. Uli would have remembered exactly where it was. She had a great memory for details. 

She was very excited when she purchased her condo in Mount Pleasant. When she was travelling, she would rent it out. For a number of years she rented it out while living a huge shared house, which is where she met PH, the love of her life. I hope they their souls have reconnected.

Uli give me many thoughtful gifts over the years. I remember telling her that when I was a teenager that I watched the Brady Bunch. I remember telling her that one afternoon that I was watching the very first episode, when I was called up to help my Mom make dinner. I told Uli about my teen angst and disappointment. Some where she found the first three eposides of the Brady Bunch on VHS, where Mike and Carol has just met and got married. She wrapped it up and give it to me as a gift. Uli paid attention to the little details. I suppose that's make made her a great writer, story telling and explorer.

Our lives weaved in and out since PH death. When my partner and I moved to Mount Pleasant in 2014, I was just around the corner from Uli apartment. This is when we reconnected more regularly until I moved to Montreal in 2017.

At this time, in 2014, was on the stata counsel and was in starting to deal with the Air BNB issues in her building. She was dogged about changing the city bylaws and bold in her approach to address the real estate agent who owned many suites in her building and was renting them out through Air BNB. Her passion for affordable housing was relentless. This is when she was exploring what her legacy of giving would be.

I was saddened, shocked and heartbroken when saw the Facebook post about Ulike's death. It is clear from all the stories, posts and photos in Memory of Ulrike. She is loved and will be remembered by so many of us.