Michael Steven Buller

On March 20th 2017, Michael Steven Buller peacefully passed away surrounded by family and close friends ending his five month battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. “Mike” was born in Reedley, California in 1955, incidentally the same year that Disneyland opened. Mike is survived by his wife, Tamera, his children, Michelle, Benjamin, Christopher, and Rachel, his Mother, Charlene “Char” Booth, his step-mother, Cherie Buller, and his brothers, Marvin and Mark. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Gene Buller, and his step-father, Donald Booth.

"Mike" lived his life like an e-ticket Disneyland ride, He was larger than life. He was a big kid who loved to joke and laugh. He loved all things chocolate, Pepsi, cheeseburgers, donuts and buffets.  His famous chocolate chip pancakes and eggs benedict were loved by all. He said his greatest accomplishments were his kids and getting Tamera to marry him 27 years ago. He knew he was "set" and all he had to do was "show up" from there on-out.

Mike was a devoted father. He never missed a sporting event or school performance and coached both youth baseball and basketball. He was a timer at swim meets and a very vocal sideline soccer coach. He was immensely proud of his children’s academic accomplishments and even prouder yet of who they were becoming as successful accomplished adults. He lived long enough to witness his oldest son, Ben marry his love, Anna, and knew that his first grandchild would arrive this coming August.  

For 25 years the Buller family was blessed to host foreign exchange students from every corner of the globe. Mike was able to see the world and touch places like Dubai, Argentina, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Korea, UAE, Germany, Oman, Turkey, French Guyana, Brazil and Australia without ever leaving his own living room. Our international extended family supported not only Mike but the entire family throughout his illness. Our worldwide family called, sent cards, letters, texts, and made visits and we are all very thankful.

Mike was a construction project manager for over 30 year and was passionate about his work. He was proud of his work and loved the team he worked with. He often exclaimed that he would do his job for free he loved it so much.  He was a happy “workaholic” and helped family and friends with home improvement projects in addition to his day job.

Mike was a boating enthusiast who… if he hadn’t loved his job so much would have spent most of his days cruising the Sacramento River with family and friends. Mike was a huge Kings fan who hadn’t missed a King’s home opener since the team moved to Sacramento in 1985. Having taken inspiration from Disneyland’s “Electric Light Parade”, Mike created his own Disney “magic” every Christmas, covering the house, roof and anything that would hold still with 20 thousand white lights. Mike’s spectacular Christmas display was featured several times in the newspaper and on television. His over the top hobby brought Christmas joy to thousands of Sacramento families over the decades.

Michael Steven Buller was one of a kind. He will always be loved and is already deeply missed.

Please join us for a celebration of life ceremony in Mike’s honor

Saturday, April 15th, 2017 at 11:30 A.M.

The Virgin Sturgeon Patio Dock, 1577 Garden Highway Sacramento CA.

Weather appropriate casual attire is recommended

Memorial donations may be made to Meals on Wheels or the American Cancer Society 

 Service Information