Time to come home dear brother your tour of duty through
You’ve given as much as anyone could be expected to do
So, take your place of honor among those who have gone before
And know you will be remembered for now and evermore
Robert Longley
Friday, January 24, 2020: At our age we lose people to disease or old age, and if I’ve introduced them in previous Excellent Adventure Journals, I tend to memorialize them upon their passing. I decided to issue a special edition as today we lost a great friend and a great man. Vince Ullrich has succumbed to a short but courageous battle with cancer.
He is survived by a loving family, and many friends around the country. Vince, and his wife Candy enjoyed the RV lifestyle…
…traveling in their motorhome with canine companion, Jake. Their RV allowed them to escape the Maine winters for balmy Key West.
Where they assembled with other “Winter Floridians”…
…and enjoyed the retiree lifestyle.
In addition to being a devoted family man, Vince was a retired Navy Master Chief serving in various P-3 aircraft squadrons. I first met Vince some thirty years ago when he hired on at Lockheed and became a highly skilled Test Engineer on the U. S. Navy’s Aegis Combat System.
Kit and I joined Vince and Candy along with other couples…
…on various outings and adventures, including camping trips on the Saco River where we would bring everything imaginable piled high in canoes. And then gingerly make our way down river to our favorite sandbar for a weekend of comradery and partying.
Vince was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, and paddling many of Maines classic rivers. This last aspect of his life is where a few of us knew him best. Vince organized many multi-day camping trips on rivers throughout the state…
…which often included our children and grandchildren.
Whether it be a spring trip on the Moose River…
…or a pleasant paddle down the Penobscot…
…or a ten-day paddle on the iconic Allagash Wilderness Waterway…
…Vince was in his element.
Fair winds and following seas old friend…
…enjoy paddling those meandering rivers in heaven.
Kit’s Bit’s: As we mourn the passing of a dear friend, we are reminded to enjoy every minute with our loved ones and friends each and every day. Life is fragile. We, as well as Vince & Candy’s family and friends will be there for them, as they have been for us for many years. Sending love to the Ullrich Family.
Bill and Kit's Travel Journal 
A beautiful memorial. My sympathies for the loss of your friend, and a sad reminder not to take a single day for granted.
Thank you CeCe. Vince was a great friend and an unabashed patriot…his sudden passing has affected us both.
What wonderful memories of times gone by. How fortunate we all are to have such memories. And yes Kit, we should not forget to make more wonderful memories as we travel this latter portion of our lives. Thanks for being a maker of memories with us. Love you both.
Thank you. Yes, we enjoyed many happy times with Vince and Candy, as we have with you folks. Vince’s sudden passing has profoundly affected us both. At our stage of life, it is important to cherish each day, love each friend, and savor our existence on this earth.
Nice tribute Bill. Sorry to read this news and my thoughts and prayers are with family.
Thank you Kip…as you know, Vince was a great man and his sudden passing has profoundly affected me.
Very nicely said. The photos speak volumes of a life filled with excitement and friendship. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Thank you for the comment…Vince was a great friend and unwavering patriot.
My feelings go out to your friends family. Your tribute was very kind and loving.
Thank you.
Glad you liked my poem
I did sir, very much so…hope you didn’t mind my using your inspirational words to honor a great friend and fellow patriot. Vince and I served over 20 years in the US Navy and have remained friends for the past 30 years. His sudden passing was unexpected and profoundly affected all who knew him. Vince’s legacy of service shall continue in the form of his son, a Police Sargent, and his grandson who is serving in the US Army.
I see you have a website which I’ve bookmarked to further enjoy your writings.
Thank you for taking the time to contact me,
Bill
http://www.bilnkit.com
Dear Bill and Kit,
Thank you for informing me about Vince. So, so sorry about his passing. He was such a nice man and I remember he always said hello to me with a smile, and asked how everything was going. I didn’t know him that well, but what I did know is that he was liked by all. Vince, rest in peace.
God bless to his family.
Jeanne Gillis
Sorry to hear about ur friend. Beautiful tribute to your dear friend. great pics of is time outdoors.
thank you for sharing his life.
So sorry to hear of the death of your friend Vince, he seems to have been a remarkable man. RIP.
Fergy.