Book of Memories for Reinhold Jacob Ulmer

Story shared: A special birthday

Sat, 09 Mar 2019 16:09:39 EST

We are celebrating the twins birthday today, they are nine years old. When we came to their house yesterday, they asked me how old Dad would be today, after a few seconds, I said he would be 100. They both said yes, you are right. I will never forget the actual birth of the boys and how within seconds of their arrival, Rene phoned Dad and gave him the news. The boys open their gifts at the time of their birth, Lennon opened his at eleven and Dylan opened his at eleven fifteen. We are making memories, ones that will last a life time.

Story shared: Father's day 2015

Sun, 21 Jun 2015 17:04:52 EDT

Dad always kept himself up to date with world events, and the recent NDP election win in Alberta would have been especially interesting to him. He was one of the many young farmers at the time, when T. C. Douglas came on the scene, that agreed with his policies and brought a fresh change to the political scene. He would rather not debate with someone who thought otherwise, but he would listen to their comments and ask questions. One night in the Neudorf hall, a prominent liberal senator from P.A. came to speak, Dave Stuart. He had a few liberal friends with him, but the hall was full of NDP supporters, they did not heckle, but their many pointed questions let Mr. Stuart and his friends know that they were in enemy territory. The night ended calmly, but it was one we would often talk about. This was the election when Ross Thatcher and his Liberal party were swept from power by the Blakeney led NDP party. It was one of the few times when Dad celebrated a bit after an election. We would usually be at the lake on this weekend enjoying the weather and the visiting and celebraing this special day for Dad. Events from years ago, like that election would often be discussed and a few chuckles would result.

Story shared: A special birthday

Mon, 09 Mar 2015 22:39:01 EDT

In 2010, on Dad's birthday, Rene and Al had the twins, Lennon and Dylan. They were born at 11:00 and 11:15 am and at noon, Rene called Dad to wish him a happy birthday. He was very surprised that he would share his birth day with what he called " his boys " but also that Rene had the energy to make the call. He certainly considered these births to be a special gift not only to him, but the whole family. His eyes would twinkle when he saw the kids, even when he was near death, the boys visit caused him to become alert and almost back to his old self. It is one of those times that one will remember forever. Dad would be 96 today, and he would think of his boys, who turned 5 today.

Story shared: Remembrance day, 2014

Tue, 11 Nov 2014 16:05:26 EST

Dad always took this day quite seriously, he watched and listened to the programs and participated at the seniors centre by laying wreaths on behalf of all veterans from the Neudorf area. One year we brought with us the movie " Saving Private Ryan ", he watched it with a lot of interest. I had to ask him about what might have happened had he been faced with an enemy soldier, and he said that as long as that person did not shot at him, he would not shoot. This did not surprise me as Dad could not even kill our own animals when there was an excess of kittens or pups. I have always wondered if Dad had been in an area in WW II that had a lot of action, would it have affected him and/or changed him, I would like to think not. It has always been very pleasing to Dad to have family in the law enforcement area, when he attended Lanny's ( grandson ) grad, he was especially proud. He followed their careers closely and kept up to date on events that he knew would involve one of them. He also enjoyed seeing the new equipment that Peace Officers get to work with and what techniques were used to solve crimes and make arrests. He did worry about their safety at times, and then we would have the chat to make him feel better.

Story shared: Father's Day Tribute

Sat, 14 Jun 2014 14:28:18 EDT

This will be the second year that dad has not been available on Father's day. It makes me sad when this day comes along, there were many years when we could have celebrated more, honored more, and made the day more special for Dad. However, one probably should not look back and get concerned about what could have been. As the saying goes, when life gives you a kick, make surre it kicks you forward. Dad certainly lived his life a lot like that, yes he did worry at times, moreso when he was full time farming. However when he retired and started receiving his pensions, a very nice calm and peace settled over him. He really did enjoy this time in his life, his concerns were few, and of course because he and Mom had very good health, this was another positive. He did show some concern when Rene was carrying the twins and their birth, he also had some concerns when Jake came into the world a little early. I was amazed at how much Dad knew about children, he knew when the various changes in their lives should occur, like walking, and so on. Dad was a very good father, grandfather and great grandfather. He also readily accepted the role of surrogate father from time to time when friends, relatives and acquaintances needed fatherly advice, he was quite proud when people came to him for his take on a situation. It is very nice to have had him as a role model, and I try to remember and celebrate that blessing rather than feeling sad, I just need to remind myself a few times a day.

Story shared: The Answer

Wed, 07 May 2014 23:41:35 EDT

Dad would grieve a lot in his younger years on the loss of a brother, sister, friend and neighbour. As it turned out, he lost all of his siblings and all of his friends his age and younger. His grieving did lessen as he grew older, like in his mid eighties, and I asked him this question. " How do you put up with all this death without becoming very negative and in fact continue to enjoy life ? " He answered right away without even considering the question and said this " I got used to it." It was a simple answer, but I have always wondered how one gets used to seeing death, I wonder if one can get used to something like that.

Story shared: A question

Sat, 22 Mar 2014 23:36:57 EDT

One day Dad and I were visiting a local farmer who had a nice line of equipment. Dad was very impressed at the size and the new looking tractor, combine and so on. He had to ask, is this all paid for, and the farmer grinned and said, yes it is. Dad then mentioned that farming must be a lot more lucrative now than before when he was in the business.

Photo shared: ulmer_for_web.jpg

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 10:47:59 EDT