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John Ulrich Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John Ulrich
Kathleen Slaven
May 28, 2008
Dearest Patty,
I just got word of the passing of your father. I could not help but think of the many nights that you and I sat at his piano and played "Heart and Soul" and sang to him. He had a way of making us feel as if we had a "special" talent.
I am sure that you realize that it was he that had the special talent---a way of making others feel special.
I pray for you during this most difficult time, and I am so sorry for your loss. Do know that I am thinking of you.
Warmly,
Kathy Slaven
Jane Mills
May 27, 2008
I have fond memories of John teaching me and my brother, (who incidentally was a much better student than I) when we were teenagers. He was patient and kind, and had quite a wit. I can still hear him humming along...ya dig? He will be missed, but never forgotten.
Margie Coyle
May 27, 2008
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
tom carroll
May 26, 2008
John was such a great musician and was very generous with his knowledge.
Playing a duo with him every tuesday for 1 1/2years at Rigsby's was like attending Grad School for me. If there was a tune he called that didn't know(there's still a lot!) or a tune i would ask him about...there would be a cassette w/ lead sheet in the mail in a day or so!!!!
I played a great Christmas house party in Coshocton with Johnny for 4 or 5 years for Lyle Erlinger. What a joy to be in his company but knowing all along that I wasn't in his league....everything he played was just so RIGHT!!!
I miss you and your Johnny-isms...
#! Johnny on a gig near break time to the drummer:
"what time is it?"
Drummer:
" 6;10..."
Johnny:
" I have 6;05, you always did rush..."
#2
" It takes a really good drummer to be better that no drummer at all."
I'll remember you every time I play.
How you can show support
Terry Douds
May 25, 2008
Johnny Ulrich was one of the most amazing musicians I've ever had the opportunity to work with, learn from, and listen to. Columbus and the entire jazz world has suffered a great loss.
I can think of many different gigs that we've done together over the years, from the many New Remnants performances, to an incredibly memorable recital with he and Tom Carroll at Denison a few years ago, and the Lancaster Festival concert two years ago that I was fortunate enough to have been asked by Arnett to play on.
Many of us also had a lot of fun visiting and playing with Johnny over the past couple of years at the assisted living facility, or as Johnny said, "it's what they used to call a Nursing Home". Welcome to "Ulrichisms", my term for them, which he coined very often, and will forever be in my memories ...such gems as "the only thing better than a good drummer is no drummer at all!", and my favorite, which happened with the New Remnants Dance Orchestra during our long stand at the old Grandview Inn. I brought in an arrangement by Bob Mintzer of Glenn Miller's "Moonlight Serenade", done as a Bossa Nova. When we finished, Johnny said, "That's the worst thing to happen to Glenn Miller since the plane crash!"
His wit was incredible, his memory expansive, and his ability to send some of this wonderful music - the traditional jazz that he was a complete master of - to pass it along to many of us was a gift that is truly indescribable. I'm very saddened by his passing, but the his help, teaching, and friendship are the great memories that will be with me always.
Bonnie Ervin
May 24, 2008
Patti and Lester, Sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Bonnie (Clark) Ervin
Dave Powers
May 24, 2008
Johnny, you will be sadly missed! John Ulrich was an amazing musician who not only knew thousands of tunes, but also their composers. Anyone who knew or worked with John had a lot to learn from him. I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out at his house and listening to him play. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Arnett Howard
May 24, 2008
John, you stayed with it to the end, a great soldier in the jazz army. We are all blessed that we had your footsteps to walk in. I will fondly remember, not only all of the sets that I enjoyed, but the evening at the Lancaster Festival that I joined you and Red Stamets onstage.
Bright moments, beautiful friend to us all.
John Baio
May 23, 2008
Please accedpt our deepest sympathy for the loss of your father.
John Minnich
May 23, 2008
I'm sorry to lose Johnny - he's always been one of the best Columbus had to offer. The last gig I played with him was in Portsmouth about 3 years ago for their Labor Day big band concert in Tracy Park. I drove and took John with me and we had a great conversation down and back. He sent me a copy of his John Ulrich & Friends CD the next day - class act all the way. I'll miss you, John, as all Columbus musicians will.
Sarah Skeen
May 23, 2008
Although John was never officially my grandfather, he fit the role perfectly. His face could light up a room and whenever I saw him...a piano was usually close by. He loved to play after dinner at The Sanctuary to the other residents and it brought everyone a sense of youth. Even in his later years, his enormous talent could make an entire room full of people get up & move to the jazz beat. I Love You John! Heaven has just received an amazing angel :)
Zack Bingham
May 23, 2008
Larrison family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you -- we wish you strength and unity during this time.
Wes and Linda Shinn
May 23, 2008
Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Wes Shinn
May 23, 2008
Pat, Lester and family
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
1 Chronicles 6:31
These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the LORD after the ark came to rest there
Glen Wilson
May 23, 2008
Happy memories will always be associated with knowing John.
Linda Dachtyl
May 23, 2008
I took jazz piano lessons with John when I was a student at Capital University.
In recent years, I saw him play on the Columbus Hot Jazz Society concert series and he was still just as "on fire" as he always had been. It was wonderful to see him keep performing in his later years.
Lessons with John were always fun. I remember him being very patient and him sitting down to show examples of how to play various styles, just humming along having a good time and always asking, "you dig?" after he finished. :-)
John left Capital and I studied with many fine teachers since that time (Dave Wheeler and Hank Marr), but John was my first jazz piano teacher and got me grounded early on.
Jennifer Smith
May 23, 2008
I am very sorry for the family's loss. Please accept my condolences.
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