Passing of Denny Ulmer '72

The College extends its condolences to the Ulmer family with the sudden passing of Dennis Ulmer ’72 on May 25, 2023.

Denny arrived in Wilcox in 1969 and graduated from the Notre Dame Liberal Arts program in 1972. After graduation he continued to fill many roles within the Wilcox and Notre Dame community including but not limited to: teacher, coach, mentor, administrator and friend from 1973 until he retired in 2003 after 30 years of service.

 

 

 

It is with joy and laughter that I look back on the life of Denny Ulmer. WHAT A GREAT GUY! This was a human being who never looked for the spotlight himself, but rather did whatever he could to help  you with kindness and compassion.

 

I was one of the lucky ones who got to work side-by-side with Denny at Notre Dame during my first 4 years of teaching. He literally became the best mentor anyone could ask for. Immediately, he put me to work, explained the importance of getting organized, and stated time and time again, ‘it is about the kids.” Any time you went to his home, you could see the love he had for Debbie, the miracle that was bestowed upon him with his own children Jeff, Jason, and Jennifer, and even the passion for his dog, Jedi. Denny got it right - be a giver!

 

If you were to count the Notre Dame Hounds who felt so fortunate to have him as a teacher or as a successful coach, you would need a calculator. Why? Denny was never thrown off guard with the latest technology or easiest way to do things. He was reliable and stuck to what was best for anyone he encountered - love and compassion.

 

They often use the word ‘survived by’ when someone passes away, but I would rather say ‘enlightened  by’ because he lives on in so many of us. He attended to and supported anyone with a positive outlook and inspired all of us to do our best.

 

You don’t have go far to see his legacy in Wilcox, Saskatchewan, the university campus in Antigonish, Nova Scotia or even the arenas and parks throughout the world where he also cheered on his own kids, but he can also be seen as “Papa” hugging the family at Wee Too Beach where he would love to be in the summer. 

 

Knowing Denny, he would want us to put our chins up and share whatever we have to offer, and more than anything, be there for others!