Born in Everett Washington on December 12th, 1952 Byron Hanna Bratt aka "Bugsy" was the fourth child of Byron and Ethel "TeeTee" Bratt. Given the nickname "Bugsy" at a young age by his sisters Sunny, Jane and Libby, Bugsy grew up in a world of love and care surrounded by his family, pets and adventures with the neighborhood gang. Attending Jackson Elementary, South Junior, and Everett High (1971) Byron went on to attend and graduate from Western Washington University with a degree in Fine Art.
Art became his lifelong vocation specializing in the "mezzotint" technique which was originally developed in the Renaissance for the creation of high-quality images in books. Highly detailed, often hand colored and always with a background story or myth as support, Byron's mezzotint creations have found their way to both national and regional galleries, museums, municipal buildings and countless private collections. His work is recognized and held by the Library of Congress in Washington DC. A devoted father, Byron was also close friend to many and a teacher of his craft to others. Byron possessed a great smile and held the gift of a quality conversation. Always polite and well mannered, he loved his music and could play a fantastic electric guitar. Byron excelled at maintaining lifelong close personal relationships with many of his childhood friends who will forever remember his spirit, his smile and laugh. He was truly loved, and he will be missed. Byron leaves behind his son Morgan (Staci White), grandson Norman, son Clayton, sisters Sunny Bratt, Libby Stewart (Richard), Jane Storms (Jim), and Terri Scribner his loving companion for many years. Byron passed on a warm sunny afternoon the 30th of September. He is now amongst the all the great artists in the universal gallery. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a contribution to the Schack Art Center in his name. A memorial will be held at the Schack at a later date. December 12, 1952 - September 30, 2020To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Della Yue
October 4, 2024
We miss you Bugsy !! I have your art in my dining and living rooms . my daughter has an entire gallery of your art in Laquinta . you eill always be rememvered with love and that adorable smile that engaged all eho dhared it.
Rene Flynn-Federspiel
August 3, 2023
I just learned last night from a fellow artist that Bugs had passed away. It's hard news. We were print majors together at Western and there was so much to admire about his mastery of mezzotint and the way he created an emotional climate through his images. We would see each other at Arts council events and swap stories about growing up in Everett. Before moving to Whidbey, my husband and I lived on Rucker Hil. We had purchased Judge Denny's home and he told me about growing up in that neighborhood and a visit with the Judge when he was little and was disappointed in being named "Byron". Judge Denny walked with him and listened and was able to help Bugs cheer up. I would go to his studio sometimes to check in with him and I remember him talking about his kids, that they were his best friends. He was tender hearted and sensitive and funny and I'm so sorry that he passed. Miss you Bugs! Love to the family, Rene

Deb Winters
January 21, 2021
So very sorry to hear of this. Bugs was one of a kind.
Della yue
October 28, 2020
Bugsy, You were more fun than a barrel of monkeys. We are proud owners of 2 beautiful prints done by you years ago. My heart goes out to your family. There is a space missing that could only be YOU. We will miss you dearly. Della and Chris Yue.
Karen Jensen
October 15, 2020
I went to school with Bugs from kindergarten through high school. He was always such a sweet guy and it was a treat to run into him occasionally and at reunions. Everyone loved him and I will miss his presence in this world. 67 is just too young to die! I just can't wrap my head around the fact Bugs is no longer with us.
Natasha Kuljis
October 14, 2020
My heart is broken.
Bugs...
Just a very cool cat.
Always treated me like I was in the inner circle......with the cool kids.
Morgan & Clay,
I am so so sorry. I hope he is free now.

Jamming at Jim's house
James Lee
October 14, 2020
I was so saddened when I received the call that Buggs was gone. 60 years of memories came pouring back. We attended the same church, played music, caused trouble, and rode to EHS 1971 graduation together---sports coats and ties on my BSA 441 Victor motorcycle. As with many others his creative art was always inspiring and displayed in my home. I looked forward to catching up with Buggs and CJ for our lunches at Bucks! Thoughts and prayers for all his family!
Ann and Don Hoffmann
October 13, 2020
We were shocked to see and read of Buggs's passing. He was a dear friend and treasure the memories we have when he and his family were neighbors on the Loop. His artwork that we have will be forever treasured. Morgan and Clay, our family is so sorry for your loss.
Sylvia Salget
October 12, 2020
I first met Bugsy at South Junior High. He was eight days older than me. I did a quarter at Western and he let me sit on his couch when I was cold and lonely and missed my family. Sometimes, he was a terrible tease. My mom, Maryalice Salget loved Bugs, as well. He and Garth would drop in and cheer up her days, as she grew older. She supported his art and was so proud of him. She was the Supervisor for Elementary Art Education when we were in elementary school, and counted Bugsy as one of her kids.
Our family has been fortunate to have many of his Mezzotints. I have six on my walls right now. I'm so sad he is gone. But I will never forget him. I hope and pray that he has found peace. I know my mom will be there for him in the afterlife. Sending Love and Blessings to Family and Friends. May we all find Peace.
Falken Forshaw
October 11, 2020
Susan and I lived in the first house Byron was brought home to, and shared life in Everett's growing arts community. We told stories about making art and the mysteries of ancient iconography. As well as enjoying lots of plain ol' joyous fun times. Healing Blessings to the whole family.
Steve Sawyer
October 11, 2020
To the family of Byron,
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Byron. As a classmate of Byron's '71 EHS class I offer my sincere condolences. Byron ( Bugs) was always good-natured and friendly when I would see him from time to time at Bucks or a PHO restaurant up on Colby. Byron was one of the good guys.
Steve Sawyer
Friend
Jim Cuthill
October 11, 2020
My deepest condolences to the Bratt Family. I am truly saddened to learn of Bugsy passing. I first came to know Byron at South Junior High in 1970, with his extra large backpack he carried, always smiling, and I remember thinking, 'this guy is ready to not only travel the world, but ready to take on the world,' and I think he did in his own way. Then I got to know him; he was such a wonderful man and a very talented artist. We will miss you and love you forever. Rest in Paradise Bugsy.
Vicki (Sheppard) Adams
October 10, 2020
I was saddened to read of "Bugsy's" passing. Although I have had no contact with any of you for several years, I have many, many memories of Sunny, Jane, Libby and Byron from the Warren Ave. days as kids. I did run into Byron at Buck's a few years ago and we had a nice little chat about the old neighborhood. I wanted to offer my condolences to all of you. I hope to attend the memorial service at the later date. Thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss.
Beverly Davis
October 10, 2020
Byron was not only talented but lots of fun. I love his work and the stories he told for each of his mezzotints was always a bonus. He is a loss in so many ways. My condolences.
Jean (Ringen) Lilley
October 10, 2020
So sorry to learn that Byron, younger brother to my classmate Sunny, has died. He was such an accomplished artist and I'm sure will be missed by many.
Lynette Huffman Johnson
October 9, 2020
Byron's artwork is treasured in our home. His talent was deep and we are so honored to have them. Love to his family, a loss for the world, Lynette Huffman Johnson.
Catherine Aguilera
October 9, 2020
His enthusiasm and zest for life was very present in his art classes. Always encouraging, approachable and easy to engage with. Many delightful memories.
Jeff Hegland
October 9, 2020
A true renaissance man. Fine artist, accomplished guitarist, a student of the human condition. Byron was an individualist who followed his own path, sometimes not knowing where it was leading.
My friend, I will miss you
Dixie Anderson
October 9, 2020
I have many wonderful childhood memories of Bugs. So much fun to be around, my husband, my daughter, her friend and I took one if his classes at ECC. He will be truly missed but never forgotten.
Dixie
Gretchen Brown Hoffman
October 9, 2020
I am devastated to hear this news. What a great guy. He always said hello to me and his concern always felt genuine as to my well-being. He was one hell of an artist. He will greatly missed
Amy Adams Squire
October 9, 2020
Byron, you always had my back. Thank you. You were a great artist. Go in peace.
Schack Staff
October 9, 2020
We are all very sad and heartbroken to have lost a dear friend Byron Bratt. Byron was a master mezzotint artist, a vital part of the fabric of the Schack organization and the Arts in Everett since the 1970s. Bryon had a genius way of finding poetry in everyday objects and simple still-life compositions. His prints always had a story and he was the best at telling the stories from his prints and his life. Byron was honored as our Artist of the Year in 1993.
Over the years, all of the Schack staff would be frequently visited by Byron. We would be the lucky recipients of annual Valentine cards, shared lunches (french fries!) and many wonderful stories of his love of his family and ours and occasional local gossip.
We will miss his presence at the Schack, in the print studio, his smile and as a dear friend.
We love you Bryon
Schack Staff, board and arts community
Inger Hutton
October 9, 2020
I so enjoyed taking an art class with you as the instructor at EVCC approximately 20 years ago. You will be missed. Loved your art.
Judith Faulhaber Pearson
October 9, 2020
Thanks Byron for sharing your life with your friends.
Hugh Matheson
October 9, 2020
We are so saddened to hear of Buggs' passing. We have known him since the 70's and he was not only a dear friend but more like a brother to us.
We have many wonderful memories of the times spent with him and his wonderful family over the years.
He was loved by everyone and will be missed more than words can say.
We send our love to Morgan, Clay, Terri and all his family.
Judy and Hugh Matheson
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