The San Mateo County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Greg, William
and Lavonne Bullis all perished in the San Bruno explosion and fire
that destroyed a significant portion of the Glenview neighborhood Sept.
9.
The death toll from the gas pipeline explosion is now seven. The
other people who died in the blast were Jacqueline Greig, 44, and her
daughter Janessa Greig, 13; Jessica Morales, 20; and Elizabeth Torres,
81.
Greg Bullis, 50, was a nurse and former Marine and father of
William, 17, who attended Mills High School. Lavonne, 85, was Greg’s
mother and the three resided at 1690 Claremont Drive, a home completely
destroyed by the fire.
The three were initially considered missing but family members last Thursday confirmed the worst in a statement.
“At the residence of 1690 Claremont, the remains of two male
victims were discovered. Though still awaiting final pending DNA
results from the Coroner’s Office, it is with heavy hearts that the
Bullis family announces the passing of Lavonne, Greg and William
Bullis,” the statement read.
The family were avid churchgoers who attended Bethany Presbyterian Church in San Bruno.
Greg Bullis was also a member of the Coyote Point Rifle and
Pistol Club in San Mateo where he often took his son William and
daughter Janine to practice shooting.
“He introduced his son and daughter to shooting. He was very
family oriented and got his kids involved,” said John Galloway, the
club’s president.
Galloway joined the club five years ago while Bullis was already a member.
“He was a really good person. Everyone at the club will miss him,” said Galloway.
Bullis was a range officer for the club once a month and was a stickler for safety.
He also was a competitive shooter, Galloway said.
“He was quite good and competitive but not a sore loser,” he said.
Galloway described Bullis as helpful, nice and humble.
“It was a big shock to the club,” Galloway said.
The Bullis family was notified late Tuesday night by the Coroner’s Office of its findings, Chief Deputy Coroner Jerry Cohn said.
Gregory and Lavonne Bullis were identified through DNA testing
at the state Department of Justice’s DNA laboratory in Richmond, Cohn
said.
William Bullis was identified through an examination by forensic
experts of remains found at the family’s home. William was interested
in cooking and studied culinary arts at Mills High School.
A memorial is planned Friday Sept. 24 at 4 p.m. for the three
family members at First Presbyterian Church of Burlingame, 1500 Easton
Ave., Burlingame. A reception will follow at the Mills High School
Gymnasium, 900 Murchison Ave., Millbrae. If possible, please park at
Mills High School and carpool to church as parking is limited. In lieu
of flowers, the family asks that you hold donations until plans for a
memorial fund can be announced.