This message was mailed to Howard by Daughter-In-Law Judi on the morning he died: Just sending a little note to say you're thought of each and every day. I pray that you are at peace. I send my love and prayers.
Your father and I were the best of friends and a bit more than that. We loved and respected each other, worked together, commiserated together, laughed and played together. All in all, since 1968, we were essential to one another for the meaning and purpose of our lives as ministers of the Gospel...Walter Boring
Howard and I were very close friends on the Executive Committee of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches. Even after that, we corresponded for over twenty years as long as his eyesight permitted him to write, and I sent him letters after that, knowing that Margie would read them to him. I shall always remember, and miss, his generous spirit and forthright honetry. He deeply cared about his congregation. He served them in countless ways. He accepted people at their face value, weaknesses and all; and those who understood that loved him for it...Robert G. Morris
I remember Howard at Laurel Methodist Church in Oakland. He would pack us "kids," after church, in his big Cadillac and take us to Fenton for ice cream. We spent many happy hours at teh Bull house, after church, and I rember Mrs. B's delicious apple, pineapple pie! My brother Doug Freeman was an usher at his wedding....Doris Parks, Walnut Creek, California
As a young couple we were very fortunate to have had Uncle Howard as our very own "marriage minister" (4/26/75) inside the beautiful Community Church of Monterey. He made our day special with the warmth and genuine love he held for everyone...Roddy & Joann Hayman
The congregation extends sympathy to the family of REVEREND MAJOR HOWARD E. BULL, who died January 16, 200l. Reverend Bull served as an interim minister here at Congregational Church of Soquel in the early 1980s. A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, February 10,2001,at Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula in Carmel...Donna and Tom Blankenship, Congregational Church of Soquel California
Howard Bull was very special to our family and we will never forget him...Carolyn Drake, Patricia and Edwin
We will miss Howard very much. He was one of the kindest, warmest people we have ever known...Steph & Dave Keebler, First Congregational Church, Evanston, Illinois.
The man who you called father, we called friend!!! It was a pleasure to have been with him and to have him among the people we called FRIEND. Yes, his memory and gentle lessons will extend his presence for many warm, memorable years. The Lobster cook-outs and the poker games in Michigan when a next door neighbor with Sundays at Pilgrim Congregational. The luncheons at the Top of the Flame in Detroit where we gathered for many years were community affairs that were not to be surpassed. Howard was always there to help with Fred's speeches to GM folks at seminars, church get-togethers in a family style manner, and Holiday celebrations. Yes, he has rejoined Doris who had the lead picture and the lead position in his life. He has been ready for quite a while for that reunion and we are sure it has been spectacular in every way!! A memorable man, memorable father to four, and a most memorable friend!!!! God bless Howard!!!!! Betty and Fred Sallade
Our old friend Howard has moved on, but memories of him will remain with those who knew him. Herb and my friendship with the Howard Bull family goes back nearly to the day they arrived in Carmel. I always looked forward to Howard coming to the Rose Tea every year and was so pleased he was there the last year Herb could make it. They had a great, loving reunion...Roxie Blanks, Pacific Grove, California
Howard was a wonderful friend of my late beloved husband. We so much enjoyed having his visits to our home...Beth Morrow, Pacific Grove, California
I knew Howard through his involvement in the National Association of Congregational Churches. He was a wonderful man..full of fun. He had a great laugh and I can hear him now. In recent years, my contact with Howard was limited to a note at Christmas, but I have thought of him often..the booming voice and his ever-readiness for a good fight. He will be sorely missed...Roberta Paetow
We are sorry that your father lost his will to live and we could not do anything to change his mind. We all miss him. May the Lord be with you all and give you comfort in this time of sorrow. Sincerely, Renata & Dieter Meier, Harmony Home.
We remember Howard fondly from the days when he helped staff our youth group retreats, and later served as our Interim Minister. He had such a good sense of humor and feet-on-the-ground approach. Bet he has welcomed his promotion to God's good hereafter, free from all bodily frailties, with zest and joy. Knowing it's never easy to lose a loved one, no matter how long the loss has been expected, may God guide each of you swiftly and safely through the sorrow and the transition, back into life's sunshine, helped by many happy memories. John & Cay Melendy, (Church in Soquel)
We are very saddened to hear of Howard's passing. We were very close to Howard when he was our Minister. We joined the church in 1973 and I was vice-president of the session while he was there. We have several stories about Howard that you might find amusing. The first one came when Howard came over to our house for Dinner. We were in the middle of eating when Howard looked over at my 5 year old daughter, who had bright red hair, and asked where did you get such red hair. My daughter answered, "From my daddy's rusty pipes!!!!" Your dad roared with laughter while I turned the color of my daughters hair, My daughter was in on another funny event. Howard was again over for dinner, when he asked my daughter a question. (Can't remember what it was) but her answer was "It happened a couple of long times ago." Howard was so taken by this that the next Sunday he used her exact words in his Sermon. Of coursed I have some stories about our poker parties. Can you imagine if we were ever arrested for gambling what the headlines would be?? Minister, School Teacher (Me), Police Chief (my uncle) Judge (Judge Harrah) to name a few. What we really remember about Howard was his famous "YOU DONE GOOD." We will be at the service on Saturday Feb l0th. Looking forward to seeing you there. ..Clyde, Pam, Tammi and Clyde William Klaumann
We first met Howard when he as chairman of the NACCC Executive Committee visited Pioneer Congregational Church in Santa Rosa, California. He planned to be in our area to visit family in Glen Ellen. When he called me to tell me he was coming, Pioneer was in an interim situation so I invited him to give the sermon the Sunday he would be there. He graciously accepted and the congregation was so impressed they decided to ask him if he would consider coming to our church as our minister. We were surprised and pleased when he accepted. He served Pioneer for two years until he received a call to the Carmel Church. Those years were some of the most productive Pioneer Church had. I had the pleasure working with Howard, as I was the Organist as well as the Moderator. He was a joy to work with. Unlike many people I have worked with he kept me informed of everything that was happening. Weddings were especially fun. In addition to his service to Pioneer the NACCC asked Howard to serve the Glen Ellen Church too so he preached early Sunday mornings at Glen Ellen and then raced 20 some miles to Santa Rosa for the 11:00 am service. I will never forget the NACCC meeting in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Howard left Santa Rosa several days before I did because he had to go to the Executive Committee meeting. I agreed to chaperone two girls from Pioneer and one from Berkeley. None of them had flown before. We arrived in Chicago where I discovered the girls were flying standby and had not been able to get on my plane. I had no choice but to leave the girls in Chicago. By the time I got to Grand Rapids I was a nervous wreck. I went ahead to the motel where I unexpectedly met Howard in the lobby. Was I glad to see him? It was obvious I was upset and hearing my problem he told me not to worry he would see to it they were ok. Then he took me to the restaurant for something to eat. It was during the Grand Rapids meeting that Howard was called home because Doris was in the hospital. She was never the same after this illness which was one of the reasons Howard left Pioneer to go to Carmel. He wanted to be closer to an army hospital. Charlie and I continued to see Howard at the Northern California meetings until it disbanded thanks to Walt Boring who brought him. We will never forget Howard... Charlie & Mary Lou Head
I still remember the first time I went to dinner with your Dad. We went to Spiedini, he wanted a steak. He ended up ordering sirloin tips. When his dinner was served it was on skewers, he asked the waitress to take it back & piece his steak back together. She laughed & so did he. We ended up having a good night...Paul McFadden
I always liked him. Remember we were together in Las Vegas? What a fun time we had. I will remember him in my prayers...Per Reichborn
You may recall that you, your father and I had the pleasure of having lunch together here in San Anselmo just a few years ago. That was an enjoyable time...Dean Walters
To the family of Rev. Maj. Howard E. Bull, Our sincere condolences. As members of the Soquel Congregational Church, we came to know Howard and what a lovable character he was. If you remember 1/10th of his stories what fond memories you will have to cherish. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loss. Howard I'm sure has received his greatest desire. God Bless. Henry & Karen Isliker
The "Little White Church" in Soquel is a caring church. The congregation wants you to know we sympathize with you in the loss of your dear father. The congregation remembers Rev. Bull as a man with a great sense of humor, and a man who gave great sermons spiked with his special sense of humor. Those dear to us never truly leave us, and we are comforted by the happiness and joys as well as the sorrows they shared with us. Rev. Bull will be remembered as a minister who was well-liked and who led the Soquel Congregational Church during a difficult time. Sincerely, The Congregation in Soquel.
Dear Margie, Marilyn & Don, In memory of your dear Dad we have sent a gift to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. They do such wonderful life saving work on so many children. Fred & I last night were reminiscing on all the great times we had with Doris and Howard. And how your Dad would "yell" at me during a poker game if I talked too much. The big lobster feast cooked on your Dad's big BQ pit. Memories keep us all going. All Our Love, Fred & Betty
We are so sorry to hear about your Dad but know he's in a better place with your Mom and Grandma and Grandpa. It's a relief that his suffering is over. We know you'll also miss him. Try and remember "his better years", as he'd want you to remember him. Love ya, Sherry and Ted
When word came of Howard's death, we were not surprised yet we were all saddened. Those of us who knew him when he was vibrant and active grieved at his confinement. I remember Howard for his voice that could sound like thunder, his booming laugh and his unwavering convictions that were so important when the Association was very young. I remember, as a fairly young clergyman, going with Howard and some friends one night to a nearby bar when we were meeting in Racine WI. That was about as much fun as one could have. We stayed long listening to choice stories and hilarious jokes. His friends at NACCC will have many fond memories they could recite. I am delighted that we can forward to them the news of the excellent web page with his picture as most of us remember him. I am so happy that Walt Boring will be doing his memorial service. They were truly a pair and it is fitting that Walt represent all of us in saying an appropriate good-bye. May you and the family be sustained by the knowledge of how influential he was to many and how much fun and conviction he brought to our lives. He leaves a goodly heritage and a shadow that is long in the setting sun. God's richest blessing to you all, In Christian bonds, Douglas L. Lobb, Executive Secretary, NACCC
We only knew Howard for a few short years, but we treasure the time that he was our minster at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Birmingham. We were fortunate to have been in his congregation - he was a remarkable man and minsiter...Gayle & Hi Anderson, Petosky, Michigan
My husband Stan and I admired and respected as well as loved Howard for his many excellent qualities...Ernestine Wood, Santa Rosa, California.
A special remembrance from a member of one of Howard Bull's early congregations:
Dear Don, Marilyn and Margie,
I was saddened to hear of your father's passing. Growing up in the Marne Methodist Church, I have many loving memories of your father. He was not just a pastor, but everyone's friend.
I remember when you all lived across the street from Earl Moon. Even tho Howard frequently invited Earl to attend church, he never came. Yet, every time Earl came home drunk and drove his car into the snowy ditch, your dad was out there the next morning, helping him shovel the car out. Earl was quoted as saying, "I don't know if he's a preacher because he's so good, or if he's good because he's a preacher!"
I remember when the kitchen in the church basement needed painting, nothing was beneath your dad, he bought some yellow paint on sale and painted the kitchen all by himself. I remember how active he was in the community; whatever was going on at school he was always there. He even went to a lot of trouble to help me get a college scholarship through the Methodist Church.
The last time I visited him in Walnut Creek, I was living in Monterey. When my mom, Carolyn Drake, and aunt, Mildren Fritz came to visit, we all drove up. One of the things I remember most, was in spite of losing his wife, his son and his eyesight, he was never bitter, nor did he complain.
Howard Bull was not only one of the kindest, dearest pastors I ever had, but a role model for all who desire to live the Christian life on this challenging planet. In addition to yourselves, many will miss him, but I am happy for Howard for I know he has already heard the words, "well done...you good and faithful servant."
Blessings on all of you,
Patricia Drake 24 Via Padres Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Remembrances sent to Shriners Hospital for Children:
- Ellen Schnur, Lafayette, California
- Ric & Judy Peretto, Santa Cruz, California
- Harry R. Butman, Acton, California
- Carolyn Drake, Patricia & Edwin, Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Mrs. Ralph Morrow, Pacific Grove, California
- Goodway Technologies, Stamford, Connecticut
- Koger Air, Martinsville, Virginia
- Ms. Judi Bull, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
- Matt & Tracy Selsor, Waukesha, Wisconsin
- Troy & Tina Berglin, Pewaukee, Wisconsin.
- Bonnie Madsen, Oakley, California
- Tom & Donna Blankinship, Soquel, California
- Rodney & Vivianne Hayman, Walnut Creek, California
- Mrs. Clarice M. Pruitt, Carmel, California
- Norm & Joan Borgwardt, Lafayette, California
- Gary Heitzenroder, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Bill Sell, St. Paul, Minnesota
- Mrs. Herbert Blanks, Pacific Grove, California
Remembrances sent to Childrens Home Society of California
- Irmy Borgwardt