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Mark Wray Bullis

FUNERAL HOME

Sunset Hills Funeral Home - Bellevue

1215 145th Place SE

Bellevue, Washington

Mark Bullis Obituary

Mark Wray BULLIS Mark Wray Bullis, age 54, passed away at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, Ca. on January 5, 2011 after a brief illness from diverticulitis complications. Born October 23, 1956, in Seattle, Washington, to Gaylord and Patricia Bullis, he lived on Mercer Island, Washington with his wife, mother and son. Survivors include his beloved wife, Joyce, his mother Patricia Bullis, sons Michael Sterling of Vashon Island and Anthony Bullis living at home, stepdaughter, Shawna Canas of Los Angeles and his sister, Ann Bullis of Las Vegas, Nv.. He was preceded in death by his father in 1989. Mark was co-owner of Bullis Custom Services and Art's Landscape on Mercer Island. He was a gifted, well known, loved and respected jazz musician. He was known as a great bassist and a great guitarist as well. He had many students that will no doubt follow in his footsteps and he loved teaching as well performing. Mark was totally in his element in front of his audiences. His music career started at the age of 9 when his grandmother bought him his first guitar. His mother had a love of music and took Mark to see many of his major influences along the way. Mark studied classical bass with Seattle Symphony bassists Ron Simon and Nancy Griffin, Gary Peacock, Dave Holland, and Stafford James. He continued studying jazz guitar studying with Dave Peterson, Jim Nichols, Dave Hearle, Joe Henderson, Julien Priester and Mark Levine. He had worked with the Seattle Philharmonic and the Bellevue Philharmonic along with all the great musicians he so loved and re- spected in the Pacific Northwest. Mark had the privilege of working professionally with Steve Allen, Diane Shure, Barbara McNair, Johnny Barnes of the Platters, Edmonia Jarrett, and Hadley Caliman. Mark was a dedicated and loving family man who enjoyed the many little pleasures of life including gold panning, huckleberry picking and travel. He had a sense of adventure and enjoyed many outings with his family. According to Mark there were only three seasons, summer, spring, and football and he was an avid Seahawks fan. Mark had quite a subtle sense of humor, (his wife always asked him to "stick to bass"), he was unassuming, loyal and felt so privileged to play with so many of Seattle's finest musicians. He was a wonderful husband and family man, who loved the Lord with all of his heart and attended services at New Hope Seattle. Mark had no idea he was going to have such a short gig here on earth, but there is no doubt he is hooking up with all the greats he so admired and is now in a perfect space. Mark touched so many and he will be so missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Love is everything. Love lives on forever in each memory and thought. Love never fades away, for in our hearts, our loved ones are with us forever. A reception will be held 1:00 pm, this Sunday, January 8, 2011 at Mark's church, New Hope, Seattle. www.newhopeseattle.org. Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 12 from 4pm-8pm at Sunset Hills Funeral Home, www.sunsethillsfuneralhome.com Memorial Services will be Thursday, January 13 at 1:30pm at Sunset Hills, 1215 145th Place SE, Bellevue, WA. 98007 with a "jazz reception" immediately following. This will be the time and place for all of Mark's musician friends to come pay final respects and you know how much he loved a jam session. I hope to bring the house down for about an hour and a half! Memorial contributions are welcome and can be mailed to Mark's wife, Joyce Bullis, P.O. Box 295, Mercer Island, WA. 98040. who will use it to support the Seattle live jazz community.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on Jan. 9, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Bullis

Sponsored by Joyce Bullis.

62 Entries

Don Berman

January 3, 2024

Thinking with love today of my friend and musical colleague, Mark. I will never forget him.

Randy Ranstrom

January 3, 2023

Love ya mark , We we´re gonna make great music , we´ll rain check in the kingdom of God . We will play then .!

Eric Hare

January 5, 2021

As another year has come and gone, I am remembering my old friend Mark, on the tenth anniversary of his passing.
Peace and comfort to everyone who he touched in his life.

Eric Hare

January 6, 2020

I am remembering Mark today, on the ninth anniversary af his passing. Peace and comfort to everyone.

Bob Strickland

April 3, 2013

Joyce, we continue to miss Mark and his fingerprint on the music that we play. His verve, humor, and loyalty is always appreciated and never forgotten. Come and see us when you can at Prohibition Gastropub.

Joyce Bullis

April 2, 2013

Eight years ago, I met you on April Fools Day and you changed my life forever! I still miss your company, your laugh, and keep you in my heart.

Treimer

August 1, 2011

I am still so sad after I read the latest entry here in Mark's passing.With tear filled eyes, I can't stop thinking, why, why, why, Mark was so sweet and innocent, like a little boy. A little angel! He made my Sister so, so happy, and he just loved her so much! With so much saddness in the world, I just cannot believe he is gone! I am so sad for him and my Sister, how can a love so sweet be gone! I guess it is not gone, but we will always remember him with such great innocence and love and laughter and confidence! We should all always remember the love we have and not even realize it maybe. Life is so short! We just do not know how short!
I love you Sissy and Mark and Pat and Shawna!It breaks my heart everyday that he is gone, but I do know one thing, He is a GREAT, Great ANGEL, now, in Gods arms!There is no doubt about this!
God Bless!

Trudy Kain Talbott

July 28, 2011

Dear Joyce and family; I met Mark in 1972, at a choir event in Mercer Island. We became friends and tried dating for a bit in High School, but found we just liked to talk more than anything else! I last spoke to Mark in 1986 after his fathers passing. I tried to contact him via the internet a few times, but I know how busy he was after reading about all of the events he went to! I am saddened that I won't get a chance to see him again in this world, but happy to know that he is at peace, and that someday I will be able to visit with him again.
Trudy Kain Talbott

Still miss you Mark,Lets somehow get all the musicians together soon! We know you are an angel in Heaven!

Judy Treimer

June 30, 2011

Bob Strickland

June 29, 2011

Joyce and Family, I continue to miss Mark greatly for his playing and his personality. Every now and then, someone brings me a recording that he played on. We still feel his loss with every tune we play. Here is hoping that you are gaining ground in your attempts to recover from losing such a loving person.

Joyce

June 28, 2011

Dearest Mark, being a father was one of your true joys and calling in life. Seeing your role with Anthony will give him guidance for the rest of his life. I also know Michael will remember the hours and hours you two talked. Your roles with them were different, but you placed such a high value on family as witnessed by my family and the way you so quickly became part of them and vice versa. We miss you!!! Love and God Bless!

dennis williamson

June 19, 2011

happy fathers day old friend we miss you more than anyone can imagine

Stafford James

June 12, 2011

Dear Bullis Family, please accept my profound condolences on the passing of Mark. Having just returned to the United States, I just happened to see this post. May God bless and comfort you..

March 13, 2011

I would like to send my love and my prayers to Joyce and the rest of Mark's family. I just today found out about Mark's passing, and still cannot believe it. Mark and I are related, and Mark's father and my father were cousins and the very best of friends. I was fortunate enough to have recently re-connected with Mark and to have met Joyce. The love they shared was amazing, and showed in the way they spoke to each other and the smiles on their faces. I am so very grateful I was able to see Mark again--after many, many years apart--and to discover what a wonderful, talented, and caring man he grew to be. I only wish I had been able to spend more time with Mark, Joyce and the family, but life has a mind of its own and we don't always know what path it will take. Just know that my family and I in California are so saddened by Mark's passing, and that we will have Mark and the Bullis family in our thoughts and prayers.

Jan Fraser, San Juan Capistrano, California

Joyce Bullis

February 6, 2011

Honey, I can only hope, knowing how much you loved football, this being Super Bowl Sunday, that there is a big game in heaven today with all the great athletes and you are playing in God's "half-time" show with those admired jazz greats who have gone before. I still miss you as much or more today than on January 5, I keep praying for God to ease the pain in my heart, I am going through the motions here with your Mother, just the two of us, we know you would be here if God hadn't needed you more. All my love, respect and admiration!

Janine and Dean Ridings 2010

Janine Ridings

February 5, 2011

I would like to send love, prayers, and condolences to all of Mark's family. My husband, Dean was Mark's business partner for about 12 years. I have a lot of good memories of time spent together--"day after Christmas" parties at Pat's house, sailing to the San Juans on Mark's boat, etc. I remember waiting on Mark and Dean at the Red Lion as a waitress back in 1996. They often came in for dinner after working all day. I would've been at Mark's service but my sister died in January too so was busy with that situation. Dean and I lost 2 members of our wedding party in the same month. How ironic! Praying for your hearts to heal during this time of loss. And yes, all believers in Christ will have a wonderful reunion someday in heaven. Won't that be grand! "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Psalm 116:15 God bless you all with His comfort, peace and presence in the days ahead! Love in Christ, Janine

Joyce

January 27, 2011

My dearest husband, I can't express my sorrow at having so few years here on earth with you and the shock of losing you so suddenly. We never had one bad day and we both knew how blessed we were to have found each other which we both always knew was of God's doing, not our own. I could never have felt more love than you gave to me every day and I will cherish that forever. It will sustain me for now as I have to rely on our Lord and our family and friends to help all of us who loved, admired and respected you so much get through the pain of not seeing your sweet smile every day. We had so much we were looking forward to, so many more memories to make. I wanted so much more time waking up to you and coming home to you. I hear you in the music you left behind and the love you left in my heart! I have peace knowing where you are and all our loved ones you are surrounded by now. Till we meet again, my love forever and always!
Your wife,

Mother

January 27, 2011

Dear Mark, You have always been in my heart from birth to now. I am cherishing your words "Mother, become a Christian as I want to spend eternity with you." That we will do with all our loved ones. I hope we can play that old game in heaven "name that tune" we used to play and Joyce and I will take good care of each other til we meet again!
I love you Mark with all my heart -

randy ranstrom

January 24, 2011

i just met mark this year at 4th ave diner we got together 1 time and played music and after that we were friends for life i cant believe hes gone . god bless his wife and family im in shock i loved the guy mark we will jam again later on streets of gold . and you can show me the other half of moonlight in vermont
feeling a great loss god bless all who loved him. randy m ranstrom

Judy Treimer

January 22, 2011

I am Joyces sister, and am so saddened about all of this. Mark was the sweetest man I had ever met. He loved Joyce so much and she loved him. They were like teenagers together. His face lit up like a child when he talked about my sister.He always said, how did I get so lucky to have found your sister, and she would say, It was HER that was the lucky one!Please keep Joyce and Pat and Anthony in your prayers and pray harder than you ever have before. They need us all so much!There is so much saddness and emptiness that my sister feels. My heart breaks for her and Pat and Anthony. I wish I could have stayed longer and be there w/them for weeks to help them all w/their grief! I love you all so much and pray everyday that God can give us all the strength and courage to get through all of this pain and sorrrow! I feel so fortunate to have got to hear him play his music and and meet their friends. I was so happy to be at their wedding! We all had so many happy times.
God Bless us all!

Anthony Bullis

January 21, 2011

My Dad was the best dad. I will miss him everyday. Even though he is not here for me to see him, He will live in me forever. I love you Daddy. We will be together someday again. Love your son Anthony Bullis

January 19, 2011

i guess i have priority contact to such a dedicated,popular person beins i'm blood relative I needed at least 2 to 3 more weeks to tie up some lose ends for my buddy mark but what could i do from where i was in your guys lifes, i instantly loved mark from the 1st time we met and to see someone so dedicated to family was not pretend He loved you ,mom his friends and whoever he came in contact with amd me i did feel love from him at the campsite Nobody was more important than joyce and patricia ; to see the happiness in his face when we all went for a boat ride with his mothers hair drifting in the wind and his soulmate sharing that precious time together
. I definitly was looking forward to more time together to he will always be in my heart and if there is a heaven I will see him there AML&BW

January 17, 2011

I first met Mark in 1976 when a I played a concert at Evergreen. We ended up being classmates at Cornish a few years later. I couldn't believe such a good guitar player could play upright bass - he was able to do both very well, as we all know. We kept in touch over the years, doing a gig together here and there.

I was saddened when I heard the news - my feeling of loss cannot compare to what the family is going through. I wish you all a quick healing.

Eric Vaughn

January 16, 2011

i had many great gigs with mark and just as many wonderful memories i will miss him.Eric Vaughn

Tammy Burdett

January 16, 2011

I knew Mark briefly from sitting in (vocally) at the Prohibition Grill in Everett. I have been a bass player and vocalist for over 50 years, but now concentrate more on performing my own compositions. I so appreciated the fact that Mark knew I was a bass player and always played extra strong and wonderful bass lines behind my songs. He knew that I heard and depended on every note he played. His dedication was very contageous and I am so sorry the music world has lost this important voice.

Robert Coggin

January 14, 2011

I only recently met Mark, & was fortunate enough to get a guitar lesson from him. He was extremely generous w/his talent & time. I'm sorry I will not have the chance in this life to get to know him better.
To his family I'd like to extend my heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Mark was a special guy.
"The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart..." Ps 34:18

Ron Greengard

January 14, 2011

I met Mark in High School on Mercer Island and was deeply saddened when I heard of his passing. We spent a lot of time together and he was a true friend. I attended his Memorial Service at Sunset Hills and was really touched by the feelings and thoughts expressed about Mark from all his family and friends. He was an important and significant person in many people's lives.

I remember the excitement when he got his first truck and how he recruited me to help him when he had jobs lined up. This was really the beginnings to an early start in his landscaping and construction business. After High School we became roommates for our first year of College at Evergreen State in Olympia where Mark was enrolled in the Jazz Music program. We lived in a two bedroom duplex that was part of the Modular Housing available on campus. We had two other roommates from the East Coast and it was really our first time out in the world on our own.

All my love and support to his family during this difficult time. The memories of Mark will stay with me and be cherished forever!

Esther Gonzalez

January 14, 2011

Joyce,
Today, I learned of the tragic loss to you and your family. My sincerest condolences during this difficult time.

Mark Haynie

January 13, 2011

Though I did not know Mark well, I worked with him on several occasions and the thing I remember most was his gentle and kind nature. It is sad to lose a man so young and my heart goes out to those who held him close in their heart.

January 13, 2011

Joyce and the Bullis Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time, hold on to the memories and leverage your strength. If you need anything Joyce you have a lot of people who care and are here for you. Vickie Currie

Bob and Sue Strickland

January 13, 2011

Dearest Ones, Some of the most enjoyable moments of my musical and personal life was playing and visiting with Mark. He was a sincere, unassuming man with a good nature and sense of humor. I thank him for helping me become a better musician and will miss his musicianship and musical knowledge; words cannot describe how much he contributed to the quality of a performance. As we go on with our lives, as Mark would want us to do, we shall not forget his bright smile, his boyishness, his loyalty, and his friendship. We will think of him every day and hear the soulful, ringing sound of his bass in our mind's ear. Thanks, Mark, for being our friend and colleague; You will always be in our hearts. Gods constant blessings to his loved ones left behind; may He comfort you in this time of grief.

Will Riddle

January 12, 2011

Joyce, I was saddened to hear about the passing of your beloved husband Mark. I am certain that this is a very difficult time for you, and you remain in my thoughts. I was quite touched as to his testimonial; his talent as a jazz musician, and the lives that he had touched. Knowing how much you will miss him, I encourage you to draw upon your strength; and upon the strength of your family. Bless you and your family, at this most difficult time.

Dawn Kyle

January 12, 2011

Joyce,

Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. May you find comfort and healing in the support of your family, friends, and faith.

January 12, 2011

Over the years from time to time, our musical paths would cross. Often after the gig we would talk about music, life and family. Mark was easy to be around and always " in the moment." Rest in peace my good man.

Greg Glassman

January 12, 2011

I met Mark around 2005 He played with Hans Brehmer and myself for about a year at the old Penny Cafe in ballard.
He was a sweet man.
Chuck Ogmund

Eric Hare

January 11, 2011

I first met Mark before we were in Jr. High School. I saw him play at his first gig.
We spent a lot of time together at that point, and again, when we rented a house together in Ballard a few years later.
I also worked for he and Dean for a brief time.
I have too many memories to even begin to list them all.
My thoughts and condolences are with all of his family and friends.
Peace.

January 11, 2011

I knew Mark from high school days at Mercer Island High. I had not seen him since but my brother Eric was good friends. My condolences. Zan Hare

Terry Curley

January 11, 2011

Joyce, I am so sorry and so sad to hear the passing of Mark. My deepest and heartfelt condolences to you and your entire family and beloved friends. Both Ryan and Rob and the rest of my family extend their deepest sympathy as well. We love you Joyce, and our loving thoughts and prayers are with you.

Miryam Madrigal

January 11, 2011

I would like to express my condolences to the Bullis family and extended family. May you find comfort in each other, My prayers are with you.
--Miryam Madrigal

Lisa Brooks

January 11, 2011

Joyce, my deepest condolences to you and your family. I was so sorry to hear the news. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa Brooks

Maureen Girard

January 11, 2011

I knew Mark for about 10 years and had the pleasure of playing with him many times. He was just here on Whidbey Island to visit and play this past August. I am so sad and shocked to learn of his passing. He was so happy with his marriage and to be playing as much as he was. He was a warm, kind man and a wonderful bass player. Like everyone who knew him, I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Mercedes Nicole

January 10, 2011

I started singing Jazz in 2003. Mark was my first Bassist. It was Mark, and Eric Vaughn. The three of us recorded 'My Funny Valentine" at Jack Straw Studio in the U district. I cannot believe he is gone. May his soul rest in peace.

Hal Merrill

January 10, 2011

I only met Mark last summer and played a few gigs with him. It was a magical experience. Hal Merrill

Jeff & Dana Hays

January 10, 2011

We are so sorry for your loss. What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch. You may not understand why Mark left this earth so soon or why he left before you were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, you'll begin to remember not just of his passing, but that you lived and that your life together provided memories too beautiful to forget. May the peace which comes from those memories, comfort you now and in the days ahead.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Aunt Jayne

January 10, 2011

To his son, my nephew, Anthony: I met your dad, with his quick smile, in '92. He had (has) the Joy of the Lord. Heard his playing in Tacoma Jazz sessions and Seattle, now heard in heavenly places, bringing smiles to all around him. My love and prayers for you and your family.

Sue Shaw

January 10, 2011

My thoughts go out to the Bullis family in this time of sorrow. May the love and words from friends and family help guide you through grieving Mark. His life was cut way too short.

Don Berman

January 10, 2011

Mark was a kind gentleman and one of the finest bassists I ever had the privilege of playing with. We knew each other for many years. I am deeply saddened at his untimely passing and regret I will be out of state on the day of his memorial service. Please know I would have been there in a flash. My love and prayers go out to all of his many loved ones at this sad time. We will never forget him and his spirit will always remain close to all those in Seattle and the jazz community who knew and loved him.

Ava Turner

January 10, 2011

My heart goes out to you and your family, Joyce. May you and your family be surrounded by an abundance of love and peace.

Many Blessings,

Ava

Gloria Dias

January 10, 2011

To Joyce and Family, although it is difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory of your love one help comfort you. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

God Bless,
Gloria Dias

Scott Walker

January 10, 2011

Dear Joyce,

I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family during this difficult time.

Gregg Robinson

January 10, 2011

In addition to working with Mark in a variety of settings over the years, we got together regularly to practice. Mark's positive attitude and musical focus were on display here as well - he was always ready to try new material and "shed" older things that needed review. Of course, Mark made these sessions relaxed, fun and creative. I will miss him greatly.

Eva Davey

January 10, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Aubrey Woolsey

January 10, 2011

Joyce and family, our very deep condolences to you. God must have been putting a new group together. Natalie and I have you all in our prayers. God bless.
Natalie and Aubrey Woolsey

Linda Jaramillo

January 10, 2011

Dear Joyce and the Bullis family,
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Mark. May God's grace and strength be with you all during this difficult time. Please know that our thoughts are with you.
With love,
Linda & Eugene Jaramillo

Bob Norris

January 10, 2011

I was so sorry to hear about Mark. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time for you.

Bob Strickland

January 10, 2011

Mark was a joy to play with, and I believe that his presence has helped me develop a better relationship with my instrument. He was a dear friend, and he never complained about anything. I am sorry that he is gone, because we had some more music to make; he loved to play. We all loved to make him happy; that shows how much we loved him. Blessings to his loved ones that are left behind; Mark is well taken care of, and he would want you to carry on. He will be there to greet you when the time comes.

Jim Knodle

January 10, 2011

Mark was a deep player-he was never happier than when he placed something just right. His attitude was unfailingly positive, and he will be missed here for a long, long time.

Dean Ridings

January 10, 2011

Heart felt condolences to Joyce, Pat, Anthony, Michael, and Ann! May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time. Mark and I - owned Bullis-Ridings Custom Services from 1985 - 1997 [12 years]. He was a great partner and become one of my closest freinds during that time. Mark was one of my groomesmen, and played at the reception after our wedding. We both shared a love for our Lord Jesue Christ and had met at a christian singles group years earlier. He introduced me to tekeyaki, great music and some fine restaurants around Seattle. Mark will be greatly missed! Blessings to you all - God's Love be with you -
Dean Ridings

Steve Rice

January 10, 2011

I just can't believe it. My condolences to all of you. Mark was one of the nicest, most considerate people I've ever met. He was a great soulful player. I've had the pleasure of performing with him many times over the years. I've always known him as a bassist, and had never heard him play guitar until just recently. I was blown away at his great talent on the instrument. I'm so very sorry at his passing. He will be greatly missed. Steve Rice

Gordon Currie

January 9, 2011

My deepest condolences go out to Mark's mother, wife, sister and children. I will forever treasure meeting Mark in high school and discovering a shared passion for guitar and music, as well as a truly special individual.

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