December 23, 1929 – July 9, 2023
Hal Ulrich passed away peacefully on July 9, 2023, after an extended illness. He was 93 years old. Hal was predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years Jane Howard Ulrich, who passed away in 2017. He leaves his sons Charles and Peter, his daughter-in-law Donna, and his granddaughters Annika and Tessa.
Hal was born in Mankato, Minnesota, on December 23, 1929, and moved to Pasadena with his mother Hallie in 1935. That cross-country train trip remained a fond memory for Hal throughout his long life. A highlight of growing up in Pasadena was playing French horn in the Pasadena High School Bulldog marching band, which led the Rose Parade and also served as the band for the visiting Big 10 teams in the New Year’s Day Rose Bowl game. Following graduation, Hal joined the Air Force National Guard and served for two years in Georgia.
Upon completing his military service, Hal entered Claremont Men’s College in Claremont, California, earning a BA in Business Administration in 1953. While at CMC, he met and became engaged to Jane Howard, who was attending nearby Pomona College. Hal and Jane married in 1954 in Oakland.
Hal joined the San Francisco office of Price Waterhouse after graduation and became a Certified Public Accountant. He then moved to California Water Service in San Jose, where he worked for 32 years and rose to become their Chief Financial Officer. He was active in the Rotary Club of Palo Alto and served as their President.
In 1956, Hal and Jane moved to Palo Alto, where they raised their sons and lived for 46 years. They also enjoyed their subsequent homes in Menlo Park and Glenbrook, Nevada (Lake Tahoe). More recently, they split their time between The Sequoias in Portola Valley and their house in Pebble Beach. They loved traveling extensively across the US, Europe, and Asia. Hal was a prolific chronicler of their travels via photography.
In addition to playing golf both here on the Peninsula at Palo Alto Hills Country Club and in Pebble Beach at Monterey Peninsula Country Club, Hal was an avid gardener, a wine enthusiast, and a keen investor.
His family and friends will hold their memories of Hal very dearly, as a warm and caring husband, father, grandfather, and friend.