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Idie Ulsh Obituary
Seattle, WA
July 1, 1936 ~ June 11, 2015
Idie Ulsh was born in Tacoma, Washington on July 1st, 1936 to Earnest and Nina Ulsh and grew up in Gig Harbor. Idie graduated from Peninsula High School, then earned her bachelor's degree in Education from Seattle Pacific University before earning her master's degree in Counseling from Washington State University.
She pursued a career in education and counseling with 27 years in the Shoreline School District, then conducted her own College Guidance Counseling service thereafter.
Idie had a deep love of birds and butterflies, and she believed in the lasting value of education. She was a self-taught naturalist of astonishing depth when it came to birds, bird nests, butterflies, and the habitats that sustained them. Idie was a tireless presenter on behalf of birds, butterflies, and nature, traversing the state to give her presentations to various organizations.
With Thero North and Dr. Dennis Paulson, Idie brought the high-level Master Birder program to Seattle Audubon in 1988 from which hundreds have since graduated. She was president of the Seattle Audubon Society from 1996 to 1998. Her presidency will be remembered for the opportunities created for young people to deepen their interest and knowledge about birds. Hers was the vision behind the year-long program for teens called "BirdWatch." Many of its graduates go on to college to study ornithology and environmental science.
In 1999 Idie co-founded and then served as initial President of the Washington Butterfly Association. Idie loved traveling near and far while studying butterflies and birds. She served for more than 10 years as a science advisor to BirdNote - a radio series about the lives of birds that is heard daily on NPR stations throughout the country. Idie also conceived of the idea and took the photo of BirdNote's mascot, "Marty the Marsh Wren."
One of her favorite places was her cabin retreat on the shores of Maggie Lake on the Tahuya Peninsula.
A Celebration of Idie's Life will be held in Seattle at the University of Washington's Center for Urban Horticulture at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 1st.
Remembrances are encouraged toward Seattle Audubon Society's BirdWatch program and Washington Butterfly Association scholarship.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Idie Ulsh
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5 Entries
Sharon Rasp Taysi
March 20, 2024
I worked with Idie at Shorewood High school. I had her come into my classes to talk about birds. She was obviously passionate and knew a great deal about birds. It was great for the students to see another side of her.
Sharon Rasp Taysi
Science teacher from 1982-1987 at Sherwood High School.
Karen Swisshelm
July 30, 2015
Idie was a grand teacher and her gentle soul touched al she encountered
Marian Thom
July 25, 2015
I was so sorry to have read of Idie's death, and I am so thankful for her friendship during the years we worked together at Shorewood High School. She was the one who first encouraged my interest in birds, which continues to this day. I remember the time she invited several of to go with her to the Skagit area to see eagles' nests. We knew we were in the hands of a specialist, for whom birding was a passion.
When Idie retired from her job as Counselor at Shorewood, several of us performed a zany skit depicting the many different types of "school birds" that crossed her path. She loved it -- and I still have a copy of our script!
I will always remember her gentle, giving spirit. She was a lady to be admired, in so many respects.
Chuck Lennox
July 17, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear of Idie's passing. I have fond memories of working with her on the Seattle Audubon Board of Directors. When she first took office, she asked me to be the Conservation Chair and wanted me to transform it. She supported me in making the changes necessary to make the committee a true advocate in the area for the environment. She gave so much of her time to involve different audiences in seeing the beauty and wonder of the natural world around us. Thank you Idie - you will be missed!
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July 10, 2015
God is faithful and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. (1 Cor. 10:13)
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