To the drag racing world, Walter Bullard was just one person. But to us at CompetitionPlus.com, Walter Bullard meant the world. 

Walter, 64, passed away on March 12 after a brave battle with cancer. 

Walter was a longtime reader of CompetitionPlus.com and actually ran into us for the first time at an Australian drag race. The Seattle, Washington, native had made his way from Dubai, where he was on a work assignment, to Brisbane, Australia, for the ANDRA Winternationals at Willowbank Raceway.

“Drag racing is drag racing on this planet,” Walter told us in an article. “You have the camaraderie and the people, and it is great. I’ve met a lot of people from down here in Australia who have been to the United States to see our drag racing. I just enjoy getting the opportunity to see it on another continent and how they do it down here.”

Walter was born on November 19, 1959 in Glendale, California to Lawrence and Geraldine (Trippel) Bullard  and graduated from Ramona High School in 1977.

His family confirmed from the day he learned to walk and talk, his passion was dirt and anything that went fast. Dirt made him a living, watching fast cars made him happy. 

Walt worked for various grading and construction companies in California, Washington, and Idaho as well as two national companies that took his skills overseas to support the military. When overseas he gained the “call sign” 290. He loved building and fortifying the camps and working alongside the American troops. When he was on furlough, you never knew what state or country, he would make his way to watch his favorite sport of drag racing.

Walter is survived by his daughter, Tiffany (Chuck) Evenson; three grandsons: Spencer, Devin, and Landon; brother, Kurt (Jacqueline) Bullard; sisters, Kim (Mike) Huechteman, Michelle (Kerry) Strand; five nephews, one niece, one great nephew, two great-nieces; and many who along his life journey called him dad, brother, uncle, and friend. He is preceded in death by both sets of grandparents: his father, Lawrence Bullard, and his mother, Geraldine Bullard.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Yates Funeral Home - Hayden Chapel, 373 E. Hayden Ave, Hayden, ID 83835, with a reception following. His final resting place will be at Forest Cemetery in Coeur d’Alene, ID.

Thank you Walter for your unending support. There were days, personally, when I didn't feel like moving forward, and you were always a source of encouragement. That's the biggest thing I will miss. 

In this world, you meet people who make a difference. 

Walter, you made a difference, and we are better for having known you.

Rest in peace, brother. One day we will share a smile in a better place.