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Michael Roe Fultz

Michael Fultz Obituary

Michael Roe FULTZ 05/27/46 ~ 08/18/08 Our brother may be gone but he'll never be forgotten. Making his home in Bangkok, Thailand for more than 20 years, his ("Land of Smiles") as he always liked to say, and working for Airborn Freight, Mike left this world on Aug 18th after suffering a heart attack on Jan. 25th. Mike was a very special person who could always light up a room with his upbeat personality and positive attitude. Family, friends, music and computers were among his favorite things in this life. Mike played many musical instruments but excelled in the banjo. He took pleasure in helping those less fortunate than himself and if you knew him you were fortunate. We miss you already Mike and we'll never forget you. Preceded in death by parents Joise (Joe) Elwood Fultz and Wilma Vivian (Boulin) Fultz. Mike is survived by 2 sisters, Marlene Denini and Belle Bulis. 2 brothers, Rocky and Patrick Fultz. 6 nephews, Ron, Troy and Dan Pempeit. Todd, Rocky and Travis Fultz. 2 Nieces, Teresa Arnold and Shalane Bulis. 2 grandnephews, Kevin and Tanner Pempeit. 6 grand nieces, Darby and Noelle Pempeit. Bailey and Delaney Arnold. Willow and Piper Fultz. 1 great-grandnephew on the way, Tyler Dwayne Pempeit. Share thoughts & memories on Mike's online guestbook: www.legacy.com

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

Published by The Seattle Times from Aug. 24 to Aug. 25, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Fultz

Sponsored by Fultz@Bulis Families.

46 Entries

Noelle

April 15, 2024

Wow, It's crazy to see this after so long. Tyler wasn't even born yet, thats crazy.

Mike Tibbetts

August 19, 2019

It is good to see this was kept open. I enjoyed going through all of the posts, and reflecting on Mike's life. Many good times we spent together working in Asia.

Wayne

January 9, 2018

Mike was the best banjo player, and a very nice and good person. he loved music and he loved to have a good time. The smile on his face when he was playing, ear to ear, when he was making other people smile. That's what I see when I think of Mike.

Belle Fultz/Bulis

March 29, 2016

Well it's taken me a long while to write this letter. Michael was my big brother, but more then that he was a man that took care of me when I was a young girl. I remember him cooking and taking care of us kids. Mike was a lot like mom, a very kind soul. I could talk to him about anything, a fun person to be around. We skied a lot together. We would travel together to find new places to ski. He taught me to harmonize and we would sing old songs all the way there. He also got me interested in bike riding. He loved life and truly lived each day enjoying it. Miss him very much, Gone way to soon.

Pat Fultz

December 28, 2012

And thank you for thinking of Mike. I do all the time

December 26, 2012

Pat, thanks for keeping the guest book open. I was thinking about Mike today and it was good to go back and review these messages and pictures. Your brother was a great friend of mine. God bless.

David Bahr

November 21, 2008

My first meeting with Mike was when I went to Bangkok International Airport around midnight to meet an incoming friend John. When I spotted John I noticed him say something to a *young* blonde-haired man, but thought nothing of it until they were out of Customs. John introduced him as someone I had already heard about. From the moment Mike’s feet touched Thai soil, he became infatuated with everything Thai and decided he was gong to make Thailand his permanent home. He learned their language, culture, and everything Thai. He made friends of everyone, an enemy of none. He moved out of a hotel and into a rented house in a Soi [street]. *Everyone* in the area knew Mike, possibly because he loved playing his banjo to anyone who wanted to hear it. Sadly I never heard him play it.

Within no time he had a house with a few stray dogs – it seems every Soi has them. ? (An aside – how did *that* happen, Michael? I tried to put a computer smile with a colon, minus and two brackets, but it appeared as a smilie! Mike must be still working on my computer – ha, ha, ha). But it was whenever there was a special occasion, be it a Thai festival (and they have some beautiful ones like the “Festival of Lights” where candles are placed in a foam float, lit and pushed into the water, be it in the local klong [stream] or Wat [temple] pond. Or a Western festival e.g. Easter or Christmas, Mike, without fail *always* helped the celebration. There would be beer for all adults, soft drinks for the children and plenty of fried chicken. That made everyone happy, even the vendors who supplied everything, courtesy of Mike.

Unfortunately I did not get to see much of Mike as I am retired, *but* when I returned to Australia and took up the computer, it was always Mike I turned to whenever I struck a problem. He would reply my Email more often than not within an hour. One time in particular comes to mind, Mike could not understand my (typical for me) non-computer language. He telephoned me to inform me he was sending a programme which I was to load onto my computer. Once done, I only had to send him a “key” and he could work my computer from Bangkok. He kept working on my problem for well over 3 hours. How many friends do you know would do that?

Mike will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him. It makes me sad to have to say the few words that follow, but he will know what I mean: Lab hai-sa-baay. (Lab = sleep) (hai = for) sa-baay = comfortable or fine.) A Thai national gave me the translation. Lab hai-sa-baay, Kha Michael.

Gerald Moonen

October 7, 2008

I got to know Mike via the internet, and never met him 'in the flesh', but the warmth that radiated from himmust have affected all who came in contact with him, young and old.

Alice Goodman

October 3, 2008

I worked with Mike at Airborne Freight. I just "happened" to see his obituary in the Seattle Times. I last emailed him in 2004 before I left Airborne when DHL purchased us. I had an open invitation to come and visit him in Thailand. I passed the news onto some other ex-Airborne folks tonight. We just had a 5-year reunion. Blessings, Alice

Dale Fultz

October 1, 2008

The loss of Mike is a loss for all of us.
I am sure that he enriched the people and world around him.
Remember the good times.
Never forget.
Dale and Annie Fultz

Deanna Embry

September 27, 2008

I am sorry I never got to meet you, Your family has shared a lot about you and we feel like we did know you. My heart goes to all the family and friends as I know you have truely lost a good man in thier life.

Jerry&Barbara Keane

September 23, 2008

I met Mike at least 40 years and he was one of my great friends. We spent many Saturday mornings at Marlene's house on Occidental Av. playing guitar harmonica and mandolin. This was before Mike took up the banjo.He was a very talented man and one of the best Banjo players I ever heard.My deepest sympathies go out to the entire family as I consider them all my true friends.

Peter Hooper

September 20, 2008

Mike and I knew each other for 14 years and from the first day in
Bangkok I had Mike as a wise guide for my life.

When I got off the plane, and I had traveled to Thailand alone, I asked
a local Thai to take me to a person who had his act together as an expat in Bangkok. I was taken to Mike's home and a very important friendship for me began.

I have returned home and in some ways that is how I see Mike's death, a kind of going home.

My last comment is that Mike was an artist, to be specific, a musician.
The truth he lived was as an artist and that message really can be best assessed from inside that paradigm.

Within that theme of art and an artists worldview Mike also followed an interest in Buddhism. He found Christianity less tolerant than he
perhaps had hoped for from a religious movement. Thai Buddhism is in some ways very pragmatic and does not focus on dogma. That pragmatism was very helpful for Mike.

To those who helped Mike be who he became and to those who now live in some sense without him I send a message of deep thanks and gratitude. Mike's family fostered in him a love and generosity that was wonderful.

In the small group of images on the main page of this site there is a
picture of Mike and myself sitting at a restaurant waiting for a
meal. We must has shared meals every week for that 14 year period I
lived in Bangkok.

Troy Pempeit

September 15, 2008

This is really hard, my Uncle Mike gave me so many good memories, I can remember my mom Marline taking me and my brothers to his house in West Seattle and Uncle Mike would take us to the freezer and let us eat as much ice cream and pop as we wanted. I also remember when Uncle Mike would let me play my drums in his basement, I drove everybody else nuts, but he let me play. Uncle Mike, Uncle Pat, & Uncle Rocky were and are the most impotant musical influance in my life and the reason I play drums today. Uncle Mike I love you and will remember you forever!!!!

Ronny Pempeit

September 15, 2008

No matter what memory of Uncle Mike I bring up from the past, he is always the same cheerful, attentive, and very considerate person. My memories of him almost alway's seem to have a musical flavor, if he wasn't playing an instrument, (and he played many) then he was singing to pass the time, a trait that seems to run in the family. I have so many good memories of Uncle Mike and not one, even close to bad. I will always miss Uncle Mike, yet when I think of him the picture is so clear it's as though he is still with us. I have memories like this of all my Fultz family members. We had good times Uncle Mike, and our family was the richer because of your influence.

Jim Coston

September 15, 2008

Mike Fultz was a long time friend, fellow Thailand Ex-Pat and Banjo Player. Mike had a long battle with heart disease.

Mike loved Thailand. He spoke Thai fluently and loved sharing his adopted homeland with friends and family. When I first moved to Thailand, Mike was there with helpful advice and took the time to introduce me to other ex-pats in the area.

Mike knew he was living on borrowed time as he had previous bouts with heart disease. He spoke freely about his desire to be cremated at a local Wat (Temple) and have his ashes remain in Thailand.

Although he loved life, he was at peace with his fate. A very Thai virtue.

Many in the banjo world were not familiar with Mike due to the fact he left the United States two decades ago. He was a very skilled Plectrum Banjoist.

Farewell Mike, you will be missed.

Marj and Dan Taylor

September 14, 2008

Marlene and family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless you as you come through this trying time and give you peace.

Arlis Marcell

September 14, 2008

My prayers are with Marlene and her family and extended family. Michael sounds like a tremendous person, I never had the opportunity to meet him. May you feel God's loving arms wrapped around you at this time.

Sarah Ann Roepke

September 14, 2008

Dear Cousins Marlene, Rocky, Patrick, Bell and all your loved ones.

My prayers and thoughts are with you in the days and months ahead. It is extremely difficult to lose a sibling; Michael fought a hard battle, but now he is with our dear Father.

Patrick, you have honored your brother and other siblings with this wonderful memorial for Michael.

Love and God Bless,
Cousin Sarah Ann Roepke

Frances Wray

September 14, 2008

Our loved ones may be gone from this earth but they are with us always; they live in our hearts. You have my heart felt sympathy. God bless you and help you in your grieving.

Frank Rossi

September 13, 2008

Our deepest sympathy to the Fultz Family. Mike was always the first to welcome me at the Seattle Banjo events. His visits to New York and performances at the Hofstra University Playhouse for the Banjo Spectacular Shows will always be remembered. He was a loyal member of Banjos Unlimited and a good friend. It's a sad day in the banjo world.

Lonesome Banjo

There’s a lonesome banjo waiting
For a friend who went away.
There’s a lonesome banjo idle
'Cause he won’t be back to play.

He will always be remembered
Each time we strike a chord,
And know that he is happy
When he plays for our Lord.

— Harry Milner, L.I.B.S.

Rocky D Fultz

September 12, 2008

I will miss my brother, but I know he is in a better place. We had such great times together. He was my mentor in many ways. he gave me very good advice when I needed it. I have the highest of respect for him, not only as my brother, but as a person. I miss him so much already. I Love You Mike.

such memories this picture evokes (1956)--Mom (Wilma)--Mike--Pat--Rocky--Marlene--Belle and friend of Marlenes carrying Rocky

Patrick Fultz

September 5, 2008

THIS PHOTO WAS TAKEN AROUND THE TIME MIKE TOOK ME TO THE MOVIES DOWNTOWN SPOKANE WA.
AND I GOT LOST. ABOUT 1956
(I forget who the guy is carrying Rocky on his shoulders.....Larry?...he was Marlenes friend)

Chris Leggett

September 4, 2008

To Michael's family...my family and I give our best. We are saddened for your loss. I didn't know Mike, but I know Patrick. My church and family prayed for Mike at his time of need. I feel connected to Mike with music and will always remember him through Pat, they really do have the same hair. God and peace be with you.

Rosalie Perkins

September 4, 2008

My condolences for each of the family. Since we have found so many Fultz cousins it is hard to be losing any of them, my prayers and thoughts fo Pat and Marlene especially. Rosalie

Patty/Jim Holycross

September 2, 2008

Our prayers go out to comfort you in this time of great sorrow. Hearing what a great guy Mike was I'm sure he is in Heaven smiling down on all of us.

Harvey & Jenny Kiser

September 1, 2008

We didn't know Mike personally like we do Patrick and Marlene although Patrick told us a lot about Mike and His work and His living away.
We knew Mike had been in bad health for some time and He as all our cousins was in our prayers.
Pur prayers will always be there for the Family of Cousin Mike.
May God Bless all my Cousins

Rosalie Perkins

August 31, 2008

My sympathy to the family & friends

Laurie kidd

August 31, 2008

I only saw Mike a few times several years ago, but I remember my late father , Fred Smith,loved playing the banjo with him. My dad thought very highly of Mike and was sad when he moved so far away Now they are playing the banjo together in heaven

Laura

August 31, 2008

I'm so sorry to hear about Mike's death. May memories of him bring you comfort. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

leah carpena

August 28, 2008

I met Michael when he set up the FIRST System for Nike in Manila. This was during the Airborne days. I found him to be a very cool guy, very helpful and always there to help you when you had a problem with computers. During our first meeting, we brought him out to dinner and I danced the boogie and limbo rock with him. He was fun to be with. He was always ready to help. He will surely be missed and I sympathize with his family and friends.

Janet (Buzzin) Shelden

August 28, 2008

Dear Ones, I met Michael through his siblings and we shared several e-mails over the years. I found him to be an extraordinarily intelligent, warm and devout person. He told me of his love for Thailand and family and I'll miss hearing from him sorely. We'll meet again, though, by and by.

Joan Roderick

August 28, 2008

Wally and I are very sorry for your great loss of your beloved brother and also my first cousin.May our God be with you all.

bruce Owens

August 27, 2008

Mike love one thing more than music. He loved family and friends.I was lucky to have met Mike and his family.And I know he will be missed.He had a soft voice and a great smile.Until we meet again love Bruce and Carole.

Roberta Kelley

August 27, 2008

Mike will be missed. I met him in the late 70's through Dale. We both worked at Airborne Express and he knew my children: Robert, Joseph & Michael Kelley. He was a great person - I enjoyed hearing his music and just chatting.

Dennis and Carol Buckholtz

August 27, 2008

Another great banjo picker playing for the lord. Rest in peace.

King

August 27, 2008

Somewhere there are angels learning to play the banjo.

Beth

August 26, 2008

Mike was a cousin I never had the opportunity to know, but we were CONNected. My mother Elora and I are blessed to know Patrick and Marlene, and our hearts go out to both of you as well as to Rocky and Belle. I know all too well the sorrow of losing a sibling. Siblings bring such joy to our lives, and it is so painful to say goodbye to them for the now, even though we know that we will be together again. Its just that I'm not a patient person.

Richard Strollo

August 26, 2008

I was blessed to know Michael for 12 years. We got to know each other when I was in Seoul working for Airborne Express. He was a great guy who would always go out of his way to help others. I always looked forward to my trips to Bangkok because I knew we would have a great meal, a few beers and a ton of laughs at Jewels bar.

For me Bangkok will never be the same.

Godspeed Mike.

Marlene Denini (Fultz)

August 26, 2008

I have alot of good memorys of my brother Mike. We use to sing alot together. I at the time lived in Burein Washington, Mike lived walking distants from me. He use to come over every day or evening, bring his guitar and we would sing for hours. Then he got me into Skiing, twice a week. Then when skiing was over, we would go bike riding twice a week on the Burk Gillman trail or the Lake Sammamish trail. Then he had me going to Aerobic classes twice a week. Those were just a few good memories that I have with Mike. It is hard to believe that he is gone. I am going to miss him alot.

Teresa Arnold

August 26, 2008

I will sure miss Uncle Mike, he was a constant when I think back to my childhood. I have so many memories, great memories. His pool, the pop, his doggie, the video's, the garage sale, singing with him, and skiing. I always wanted/planned to visit him in Thailand, I sure wish I had.

Mike Tibbetts

August 25, 2008

Mike was a good friend and business associate. We worked together at Airborne Express for 25+ years. We spent considerable time in Asia working together to ensure the company we were employed by was successful. And we certainly achieved that goal, and had a lot of fun doing it!
.
Mike is a lot like that spicy street food he ate in Bangkok (which I could never eat). The fragrance of that food filled your senses. And so Mike, because he was so full of life and love (and just a hell of a lot of fun to be around), also filled the senses of those who came in contact with him. He made living fun whether on the job or off.
.
Mike, I miss you.

Denise Todd

August 25, 2008

To the whole Fultz Clan,
I'm sorry to hear of your lose. I didn't know Mike. But I do know Pat; and knowing him, I know you must have a great family.

Patick Fultz

August 24, 2008

Losing a brother that you grew up with and have been thankful for all your life is a surreal experience. You know this person your whole life through and when they pass and you can hardly believe it. To know I can’t call him up and talk computers with him is something I’m going to miss. The memories I have of Mike are so many dating all the way back to my earliest years of adolescence. For example, I remember when I was 6 years old (1956). Mike took me to a movie downtown Spokane WA. We got separated and somehow I got lost. I can’t remember how scared I was at the time, standing on that busy downtown street corner but I do remember “Hey Pat” and when I saw him I knew I was safe again. After all I was in good hands; Mike was the president of the “Fat Tummy” club. That was a club he made up where we’d do things for him (like all his dirty work LOL) and he’d buy us candy and pop for our efforts making us an honorary member. But getting back to my story, I remember the Theater he took me to but not the movie (probably a Sci-Fi) because that was Mike’s favorite genre and probably still is. I remember the elegant look and smell of that theater to this day. It’s one of those things that for some unknown reason you remember the look and taste and smell of a thing since your childhood that is so embedded in your mind that it’s there for all time for you to look back on and enjoy. It was a time when theater ushers wore neat suits with cool hats and they took you to your seat with a flashlight. I have my brother Mike to thank for that memory. And there are plenty more where that came from. I will always remember Mike with the fondest of memories. And who knows we may all get-together again someday. I sure hope so.

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