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Wayne Warner
December 27, 2006
Although I never met this good man, we corresponded when I was directing the building of the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center(Assemblies of God, Springfield, MO). Bud generously donated a steel guitar and recorded music to the music display case where they rest beside the accordion of another gospel music saint, Ira Stanphill. We also ran stories about Bud's father, the inventor of the electric guitar, in the "Assemblies of God Heritage" and the "Pentecostal Evangel." I offer my condolences to the family.
Dave Kalpousos
December 18, 2006
Just read about Paul's passing in the Seattle Times. I lived several blocks from Paul's father's studio.Another Rough Rider has left us but is not to be forgotten.
Jerri Phelps
December 12, 2006
I am sorry to hear of Bud Tutmarc's passing. It gave me chills as I read his story and the story of his father. His father, Paul, was my guitar teacher when I was around 11 or 12 when Paul, Sr. lived in Seattle overlooking Lake Union. He had also been my mother's guitar teacher when she was younger. I looked forward to my lessons every week and listening to Paul Sr. talk of his family. My prayers are with Paul Jr.'s family and his sister Paula, whom I remember fondly. My deepest sympathy goes out to you all.
Juanita Banks
December 12, 2006
Bud made sure our dental clinic had some relaxing music. So Bud's music will continue to play at Seattle's Union Gospel Mission Dental Clinic. Thank God for such a giving person.
May God richly bless you and give you peace through his going home celebration.
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Jimmy (and Carol) Owens Owens
December 12, 2006
Dear Tutmark family,
I remember Bud from the early fifties, when he would come and perform at the Neighborhood Church in Oakland, where I was the choir director. He was one of the patriarchs in Christian music. Our daughter-in-law, Lynnda, has kept us up on him from time to time. It's comforting to think that if we could see him as he is now, we would probably fall down in awe.
Phil Wayman
December 11, 2006
Bud's Family,
I'm the one who broke all the records of the famous Harmony Quartet car wreck back in 1948.
Fresh from NW College Bud with his steel guitar, Marvin Strum with his Spanish Guitar, Leon Bixler on the New Electric Bass and the Great
Piano player Frank Morgan. I was the Preacher boy. Needless to say
God performed many miracles on that trip where we met the entire
Intinerary on time. 3 days after the car wreck my voice was completely gone, but in Evansville,
Indiana God restored my voice as I stood to speak after an inspirational musical performance by Bud and the boys. He was a forgiving friend and I never forget
his friendship toward me through the years. He had a heart for God and loved the gospel ministry. He was a many talented person.
Alma Joins me in Prayer and Love
toward the Family.
Phil Wayman
Nancy Hawkins
December 11, 2006
We were sorry to hear of Bud's passing. As the attorneys who purchased his building in Greenwood, we fondly remember how he helped us by agreeing to hold the contract for a few months while we were able to arrange our financing. It was very helpful to us in our goal of owning our own law office building. We are still here enjoying being a part of the Phinney/Greenwood community. When people come here for the first time, we often tell them of the history of this property including the prior owners and its prior uses.
We were sorry to hear of Bud's illnesses and passing. What a unique life he led! What memories you all must have!
Nancy Hawkins and all the rest at 6814 Greenwood Avenue N.
Steve & Virginia Bjorklund
December 11, 2006
Dear Opal and family,
Virginia and I want to pass on our condolences for your great loss. We are together today because of the NW District Choir Tours that Bud was so instrumentally involved with. Our lives are richer because of Bud. We pray for God's comfort for your family during this time.
Blessings,
Steve & Virginia Bjorklund
Roy & Pauline Ames
December 10, 2006
Dearest Opal & family-
We have many happy memories of Bud's musical talents. And, we especially thank him for keeping the old hymns alive.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Love to you all!
Steve Pecota
December 10, 2006
Dear Opal and family,
I would so love to be there at the memorial on Tuesday. What can I say... you all have played such a key role in my life, I just wish I could experience the tribute to Bud's legacy.
Bud was huge for me in so many ways. How could I ever forget "Let thy mantle fall on me" at the Opera House, or the first Royal Folk trip to the youth convention in Spokane, or the Northwest District youth choir trips year after year, where we not only experienced the genuine moving of the Spirit, but where not just a few of us experienced our first kiss (all done decently and in order, of course, under the watchful eye our loving chaperones). Bud's vision was bigger than life and we were pulled along in his wake like a row boat behind a Puget Sound ferry.
Bud always delighted in telling the story about the time I told the students at West Bremerton High that they were all going to hell. "The biggest drug dealer in the school got saved after that," he used to say. As many times as he repeated that story, it always made me feel good inside because I knew that Bud was genuinely proud of me.
It was because Bud asked me to sing the role of Peter in “The Witness” that I visited Calvary Temple regularly on Wednesday nights for several weeks. After choir practice, I’d talk to the kids from the youth group and it was during that time that Karen began to catch my eye… that was 28 years ago. I don’t think Bud ever knew the small part he played in our match up.
To sum it up, Bud helped push an awful lot of us toward things that really matter in life – and thus left a mark on our generation. We will never forget him.
With love for you all,
Steve
Steven Lee Odegard
December 10, 2006
For Opal Tutmarc, wishing you very heartfelt sympathy over the loss of your husband, "Uncle Bud".
David and Joyce Bury
December 10, 2006
I am so grateful for Bud's impact on my life and ministry. His comments at a YFC Board meeting encouraged the Board to promote me to Executive Director. That changed the course of my life and ministry. Bud became a friend, mentor and faithful investor. Opal and family, please accept our sincere condolences. May God be especially close to you and give you strength.
Mary Lou (Vaughan) Brown
December 10, 2006
Dearest Opal, Pam & Jeryl,
Bud was such a blessing to Calvary Temple for so many years that I have wonderful memories, along with many other people I'm sure, of those wonderful cantata's.
Please know you are all in my prayers that the Lord comforts you as only He can. May He fill your hearts with His hope that this parting is only for a season. (Psalms 91)
Carol & Warren Slavin
December 9, 2006
To: The Tutmarc Family,
We first met Bud in Winchester, IN in 1982 at an "Aloha International Steel Guitar" convention. Bud had been very active in the Club until his health prevented him from attending. His contributions, music and help to all who attended was much appreciated. Bud will be missed.
Aloha nui loa Bud and God Bless you.
Carol & Warren Slavin
(Director, Aloha Intern'l Steel Guitar Club)
ARNE & HARRIET FILAN
December 8, 2006
DEAR TUTMARC FAMILY, WE HAVE GREAT MEMORIES OF BUD AND JOE JOHNSON COMING TO OUR CHRUCH IN WALLA WALLA AND THEN WE HAD THE HONOR OF HAVING HE AND JOE AFTER CHURCH AND WE HAVE THE BEST MEMORIES OF HIS MUSIC AND THE LAUGHS WE HAD IN OUR HOME THANK YOU FOR THE MEMORIES,
ARNE AND HARRIET FILAN
Shirley, Opal, Bud, Jerry - June 2006
Shirley & Jerry Grose
December 8, 2006
Dear Opal and Family....
Opal, what a privilege Jerry and I had to visit you and Bud last June. Our time with you was so special, recounting days we attended Calvary Temple together, etc. We didn't realize it would be our last time to see Bud, but we know we will see him again one day. Praise be to God!
You and your family are in our waking thoughts and prayers at this time of parting with your precious one. We love you.
Shirley, Opal, Bud, Jerry - June 2006
Shirley & Jerry Grose
December 8, 2006
Dear Opal and Family....
Opal, what a privilege Jerry and I had to visit you and Bud last June. Our time with you was so special, recounting days we attended Calvary Temple together, etc. We didn't realize it would be our last time to see Bud, but we know we will see him again one day. Praise be to God!
You and your family are in our waking thoughts and prayers at this time of parting with your precious one. We love you.
Mary Ann Levario
December 8, 2006
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ellyn Roe
December 8, 2006
Steve and I had the privilege of being guest musicians in several Bud Tutmarc musicale orchestras. We were blessed by the spiritual content and the opportunity to share musical talents for Kingdom purposes with a man who was sold out for Christ and truly wore the countenance of Jesus on his face. Our little children were toted along to childcare for these rehearsals and concerts, and came to know Calvary Temple as "Bud's Church," a name they still use as adults. What a wonderful man was Bud--now enjoying the Lord face to face.
Steve Johnson
December 8, 2006
I have known Bud and the Tutmarc family for more than 35 years. Bud loved to perform for his Lord and Savior and everything he did, was to bring glory to God. Bud had his house in order and he was ready to go home and be with Jesus. Through his many years in Music and Christian Leadership, many souls will spend eternity in heaven. I am so thankful for all the concerts and Christmas pageants Bud put on over the years and for bringing Evie to Seattle. The last few years, the Bud Tutmarc HymnBook Sings have been a tremendous blessing to me.
Michele Burns
December 8, 2006
Hey Tutmarc family,
Well my memories of Bud are of him directing the Calvery Temple choir as I grew up. My dad, Stan, had plenty of solos during that time. I also went to some of the hymn sings. He will be greatly missed and will always be in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Michele (Durst) Burns
Lyle Oliver
December 8, 2006
Dear Tutmarc Family:
I have such fond memories of traveling with Bud, Joyce, Frank Morgan and Marv Strum in the Harmony quartet and later in the All City Orchestra and Chorus back in the Forties and Fifties. I treasured his laughter and the good time we all had. Memories of his encouragement of me in playing my sax and his marvelous teaching abilities. He was always so cool and calm.
I look forward to meeting him again, along with my beloved wife Dorothy around the throne of Jesus.
Darlene Malvaney
December 8, 2006
Dear Tutmarc Family:
My first memory of Bud goes back to 1956 when my mom and I began attending Calvary Temple. Jeryl immediately became one of my best friends and I was always welcome in their home. Roller-skating around in their basement was thrilling, but you had to watch out for the guitars set up on the floor. Bud actually let me start playing my violin in the church orchestra when I was only nine…..I was so excited to be a part of the music and so proud of wearing my robe #1. Through the years playing for the cantatas, especially in 1965 at the Opera House, will always remain a high point in my life, and who can forget City of the King! I was always amazed how Bud would sit there in the little music room at church writing arrangements for the orchestra….how many people in the world have that gift? He was definitely one of a kind and a very special person in my life. Bud definitely blessed us all with the most beautiful music in the world, from his choirs and orchestras to his Hawaiian guitar……We all have been truly “musically” blessed.
I pray that the Lord will be your comfort though this loss.
Darlene (Browne) Malvaney
Otis Hermenitt
December 8, 2006
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of "Bud". We will miss his playing and laughter, but will still enjoy his recordings. Otis Hermenitt & Gloria Herman
Elizabeth (Pease) Thielen
December 7, 2006
Dear Tutmarc Family,
I just want to let you know that I was one of the teenagers whose life was touched by Bud. I had the priveledge of being in the NW District Choir for 2 years. It was one of the happiest memories of my life and I know that without Bud it never would have happened. He was a very positive man and always so cheerful, even while dealing with young people who knew how to get under anyones nerves. I still have the 2 records we sold those years hanging on my office wall. He was a great and faithful christian man. I can just imagine the rejoicing in Heaven when he was welcomed into those pearly gates.
Janine (Petersen) Ridings
December 7, 2006
Dear Tutmarc Family; I have wonderful memories of Bud as my choir director at Calvary Temple in junior high and high school back in the '70s. He was always so patient with us and fun to be around. My fondest memory of my time in the choir with Bud was when he took our choir up to Canada on tour where we sang in various churches. We had a lot of fun staying in different people's homes--an experience I will never forget. I also remember the musical "Natural High" with Steve Pecota, my brother Paul Petersen and others who had solo parts. Bud was one of those rare people who influenced many lives. A great servant of the Lord has graduated to his heavenly home. I am praying for God's peace to sustain you during this time of loss. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Ps. 116:15 In Christ's love, Janine (Petersen) Ridings
Greg Asimakoupoulos
December 7, 2006
I dedicate the following to Opal and the Tutmarc family.
In My Heart There Rings a MEMORY
Be still my soul, I tell myself,
so stress won't undermine my health.
There's so much cause for worry
in a world that's marked by pain.
And then I think of gospel hymns
whose lyrics take me back again
to times we lingered at the church
to lift up Jesus' name.
Remember when How Great Thou Art
would be the song
with which we'd start
an old time singspiration
after church on Sunday nights?
And then we'd sing At Calvary,
Down at the Cross and I Believe.
We'd close our eyes and harmonize
around that old upright.
I never will forget those days
when At the Cross and Jesus Saves
transported me to Gloryland
somewhere beyond the blue.
We'd stand amazed
in times like these
and then we'd get down on our knees
to have a little talk with Jesus
till at last we'd all prayed through.
I miss the wonder of it all
when face to face
we'd hear Christ call.
In soft and tender words of love
he'd speak whispering hope.
Those after-meetings
filled with song
are precious times for which I long.
Perhaps if we embraced old ways
we'd find new ways to cope.
Leonard T. Zinn
December 7, 2006
We will miss Bud, for the rest of our lives.
A real true friend.
Leonard T. Zinn and Evelyn Whitney
Paul Ferrin
December 7, 2006
Dear Opal and family,
I was our privilege of knowing Bud for over 50 years. We remember when he first came to Denver with a group of students and played at Central Assembly. (Now Calvary Temple) Marjorie and I both had the honor of accompanying Bud on the Piano/Organ on several occasions. What I dear person! The last time I we saw him was at MusiCal where he attended year after year. That last time, he was on a 'walker' but would sail around those halls and I so admired his desire to be there among his peers even though he was not doing well physically.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Paul & Marjorie Ferrin
Nancy and Denny Davis
December 7, 2006
Dear Opal and family:
When someone as dear and devoted as bud is promoted to glory, we know that our loss is heaven's gain.
His love for the Lord, his church, his family, and his college was a blessing to us. He will not be forgotten. He was always so involved in what we were doing, especially during our years as serving as president of Northwest University.
We pray that all of God's promises for times like this are being fulfilled in your lives.
Rev. Greg Asimakoupoulos
December 7, 2006
I have fond memories of Bud directing the CA Choir. Nearly 40 years ago I joined scores of other young singers at Calvary Temple at Christmas time when Bud rehearsed us to record the albums we would sell to pay for our summer choir tours. He was such a joy to sing for. As a tribute to him I wrote the following poem.
A Tut-like Mark
Much like King Tut,
Bud left his mark
that will survive his death.
This gifted man
who loved his God
gave hymns (now old)
new breath.
Aloha shirts,
a winsome smile
his legacy of song.
We’ll miss our friend
whose steel guitar
could paint
a new day’s dawn.
Janet Strum
December 7, 2006
Opal, Pam, Jeryl and Family, Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Bud was an extraordinary artist and an inspirational man. His music and spiritual dedication touched so many lives - mine included. And now he plays his music with the angels and my dad! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Wes & Julie Grose
December 7, 2006
Our hearts go out to all of you to have the separation from Bud, whom you all loved so much and we loved and admired from afar. I am so thankful that he had a relationship with our Lord and Savior, which makes this time apart a little easier to handle, but I know that pain is there for you all and again our hearts go out to you. We wish we could be there with you during this time.
May God bless you with peace during this time of transition!
With Love,
Lynnda Owens
December 7, 2006
Dear Tutmarc Family
Our love and prayers go out to each and every heart that is saddened with the loss of their husband, Dad or grandpa.
Without Bud, we would not have our wonderful brother-in-law Greg and our niece Elizabeth and nephews Shane and Brandon. Bud was the one who saw my sister Brenda and told Greg that she was "it".
We always take Bud's wonderful Hawaiian guitar music with us when we go to Hawaii. You can't beat it. It's the best. We will now treasure it even more.
May the peace of God be with you as you go through the next days and weeks. We love you.
Reynold & Doris Bourquin
December 7, 2006
Our fondest memories of Bud revolve around the Calvary Temple music program during his tenure. We participated in his choir from the 1960s into the 80s. We met in his choir in 1963. Doris had been singing with Bud for a couple of years before I came to Seattle fresh from the farm in southern Idaho. My pastor, Pete Petersen, was a classmate of Bud's at Northwest; when I told Pete I was going to Seattle to work, he insisted I contact Bud and bring him greetings from his old friend.
Bud was a big-time encourager who helped me and others to bring our utmost enthusiastic efforts to our singing, doing our best to make a joyful noise to the Lord. One anthem that epitomizes Bud's philosophy is Sine Nomine (For All the Saints), a triumphant view of the rewards awaiting the faithful.
We will miss him a lot, and hope his family will be comforted by these expressions of love and respect.
Bob Strum
December 6, 2006
There are certain people on this earth who make the world better, but there seem to be few. Bud is an example of one of those. He brought a voice and music artestry that touched our weary bodies and calmed our souls. God touched his fingers with fulness for playing the steel, a voice to give the words, and a mind for arranging the music. His commitment to his Savior was evident in all aspects of his life. His hard work and talent brought us closer to God. Thank you, Bud.
God bless you Opal, Greg and Doug
Sincerely, Bob & Carol Strum
Yvonne (Adams) & Raymond Hays
December 6, 2006
Bud, my memories are many and my foundness of your music is heartwarming. You will be greatly missed, but we all know you have a bigger and better choir awaiting you.
ian ufton
December 6, 2006
Hello Doug ,
So sorry to hear of your dads passing , such a lovely guy ,--- I will always cherish fond memories of our musical encounters ,
Ian K.Ufton
Gary Eneberg
December 6, 2006
I played my french horn many years for Bud at Calvary Temple for special events, contatas, and was also in the brass choir he led called Revelation Brass. He was at the forefront of church musicals and putting together tremendous productions that were emulated by all the other church music departments in the Seattle area. Bud will be greatly missed, but his vision and influence will live on in the many of us who were blessed by his life.
Dan Fetters
December 6, 2006
It is with respect that I say farewell to Bud,and condolences to Opal and all of her family.
Regards, Dan Fetters
Irv (Sneaky Pete) Greaves
December 6, 2006
Distance did not separate my 58 year-long friendship with 'Bud'. As a young man, Bud was my mentor, my Hawaiian steel guitar teacher and a very strong Christian influence. He was one fun guy!!My family and I send LOVE and deepest sympathy to Opal and the children.
Steve Stephens
December 6, 2006
Dear Tutmarc family:
I was in Miss Black's class at View Ridge School with Bud's son Doug. I remember when Bud came to me and told me how well I had done in my part at an elementary school play. I didn't realize how well he had done in both music and real estate. My heart goes out to the Tutmarc family at their loss of a truly remarkable man.
Lynn Self and family
December 6, 2006
Dear Tutmarc Family,
I remember playing Bud's music over and over again when I worked at the Evangel Bible Book Store in San Jose, Calif. and enjoying his wonderful steel guitar music. I played the steel guitar myself in Seattle while taking lessons with the National Institute of Music and Arts. It was my pleasure to grow up here and to finally meet him personally at a park in Kenmore, WA with our church sponsoring his visit. I fondly remember hearing his music and hearing of the Tutmarc Realty when it became a familier name here. He and his wonderful music will be greatly missed and I am so glad that I can still enjoy it on the album I have of his. He touched many lives including mine. Thanks for the memories, Bud and my condolances goes out to all of you in the family who I am sure loved and cherished him very much. He has certainly left a mark on the lives of many in this world.
Blessings on all of you at this sad time but also for a joyeous homegoing as well. Well done thou good and faithful servant.
Janeen Hamm
December 6, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I however, know that he and grandma are rejoicing with our Lord together and what a lineage they both left.
Vern Grose
December 6, 2006
With delight, I will always recall my lifelong friendship with Bud -- filled with music, exuberant laughter, and optimism. Most significantly, we often recounted that we had merged our blood-lines in three wonderful grandchildren that we both shared. I look forward to joining him again before long in the Presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.
tony volchok
December 6, 2006
Dear Tutmarc family,
My prayers go out to you and your family. I had the privelage to meet Bud many years ago and had always found him to be a man with a deep faith and a always ready to share a smile with anyone. God Bless [email protected]
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