Daily Sitka Sentinel
‘Sonny’ Ulrich, 70, Dies; Was a Longtime Sitkan
Howard “Sonny” Gilbert Ulrich Jr.
Howard “Sonny” Gilbert Ulrich Jr. was born in Pelican, May 6, 1950.
From a young age he worked on the ocean with his father where he learned a love and respect for nature and the sea. On July 9, 1958, Sonny and his father survived the world’s tallest tsunami on record in Lituya Bay, Alaska. At the time of his death, he was the last survivor of the infamous event.
In 1967, the family moved from Pelican to Sitka to be near family and explore new opportunities. Sonny enlisted in the United States Navy in 1970, and served in the Vietnam War on the U.S.S. Saratoga. After his service, he returned to Sitka where he eventually started a family and made his home.
Sonny was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed collecting rocks, reading, cooking, camping, whittling, and foraging. He honored his Tlingit heritage by hunting and harvesting traditional foods, knowledge that he passed on to his two daughters. The outdoor experiences he provided for his family have had a profound and lasting impact on his children – for which they are incredibly grateful for.
He was a kind, sweet and caring soul who had a talent for gift-giving and storytelling. On warm days he could be found on local beaches enjoying the sunset, music, and a fire.
Sonny passed unexpectedly on January 4, 2021, at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage at the age of 70. He was a faithful friend with lifelong relationships, a helpful and loving sibling, and devoted son who assisted in caring for his elderly parents. He was a beloved father, who cherished his children. He will be sincerely missed, his family said.
He is preceded in death by his two brothers, Robert Ulrich and Kurt Ulrich; his mother Agnes Ulrich; and father Howard Gilbert Ulrich Sr.
He is survived by his brother Bruce Ulrich, sister Edrie Ulrich, daughters Jennifer Ulrich and Rachel Ulrich, and many cousins. A celebration of his life will be held in Sitka at a later date, to be announced.