Barton Bunnell Obituary

Barton (Bart) Shane Bunnell passed away peacefully on September 18th, he was 59. Bart was born in Idaho where he spent his youth.

Bart married the love of his life, Holly, after convincing her to move from Idaho to Everett. The couple were married for 34 years and were blessed with two children, Nathan Bunnell and Courtney Ballard, son-in-law Brendan Ballard, and beloved grandchildren Bailey and Walker.

He started a detailing business, Sitting Pretty Detail, which started his long career in the automotive industry. He moved to Oregon where he started selling cars and, through dealer trades, met Dwayne Lane. Bart moved to Everett to work at Dwayne Lane's Chrysler Plymouth in 1988. Bart quickly moved up the ranks of the dealership group from salesperson to his most recent role of director of sales for the entire organization. He recently celebrated his 35th anniversary with Dwayne Lane's Auto Family.

It seemed as if Bart had a million friends and he cared about them all. He was a true leader, mentor and friend. Whether you knew him for three months or 35 years, he made an impact on your life. He led by example and never quit, he worked from sun up to sun down and was an inspiration to all who knew him.

Bart was a dedicated husband and father and loved spending time with his family and dog Duke. When Nathan and Courtney were young Bart volunteered in scouting programs, especially helping kids with soapbox derby cars, and chaperoning school events. Bart also served on the southeast Everett YMCA board and volunteered for many community projects. Bart loved supporting the Arlington and Stanwood food banks, the Boys and Girls Clubs and local fire and police departments. He was an avid Seahawks fan, being a season ticket holder for many years and he enjoyed his annual fishing trips to Sitka, Alaska. He also loved working in his yard and enjoyed hosting events at their house. He and Holly were restoring his 1968 Plymouth Barracuda together and recently turned it over to the professionals to complete. Bart's biggest joy in life was being a grandpa (Grampy) and he loved daily Facetiming with Bailey and spending as much time with her and Walker as possible.

Bart was preceded in death by his parents. In addition to his immediate family, Bart is survived by his sister Vicki Peugh (Clay) and brothers Brad Bunnell (Heidi) and Jack Bunnell Jr.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Boys and Girls Clubs of Skagit County, Stanwood Food Bank or Arlington Food Bank.

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

Published by The Herald (Everett) from Oct. 7 to Oct. 8, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Barton Bunnell

16 Entries

Kenny Thompson

June 23, 2024

I just called Dwayne Lanes Ford asking for you to only find out you passed away. I have some of the best life memories with you Bart. From off site sales in Monroe to being on the movie set w/ Sylvester Stallone. And all the pay per view boxing matches, the 30 second Mike Tyson fights ;) I´ll miss you, you were one of a kind

Tim Machak

January 4, 2024

MTM trading, my own company, did its first deal with Bart and me. He gave me a chance to suceed. He was Awesome!! We did many deals after that......

Melissa Kinsman

November 18, 2023

Our prayers go out to the whole Bunnell family. Friends with his daughter, Courtney, I always enjoyed spending time in the Bunnell household growing up! Bart was always a joyful presence and undoubtedly a loving father! I can imagine how much he loved being Grandpa! May his soul rest in peace. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing.

Taylor Nieman

November 15, 2023

I met Bart when I was about 6 years old and I became best friends with Courtney. I spent many weekends with the family. I attended Seahawks games, Disney on ice, cheer activities, etc with the whole family. Bart was always outgoing, funny and a dad who really truly loved his kids. He will be truly missed.

Camilla Carlson

October 23, 2023

I am so thankful for my last visit with Bart at the store. We teased I was the sister he never wanted. I will miss this man. That smile was a bright spot in anyone's day. We were talking about our kids on my visit that day and this man loved his family, kids and especially the apples of his eye his grand kids. Bart is one of the good ones, the ones that the mold was broken after God made him. We will be here to love and support you Holly, Courtney (Brendan, Bailey and Walker) and Nate. Bart is now your guardian angel who will give you that nudge when you need it.
Cammy Carlson and family

Debbie Wolfe

October 18, 2023

Bart was one of the good ones. He was a GREAT husband, father, grandpa, manager, friend, mentor. He did things the right way. I already miss seeing his smiling face. He was very impactful to me, working with him the past 25 years. I will always have great memories of him. Love you Holly, Courtney and Nathan xoxo

Doug Lauer

October 11, 2023

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Holly and the family! I had the pleasure of working with Bart for 20 years. He was a great car guy and a good friend. He had a way of making you want to come to work each day. Those off site sales in Monroe were fun times. Thanks for always making each day a new memory.. I will miss your sense of humor and great smile. Doug Lauer

Les

October 10, 2023

The memories will always be with me, of our friendship, family and so much fun. My best love to Holly, Nate and Courtney.
Peace and prayers, Les

Tony

October 10, 2023

Bart..... I'll miss you man. Love you Bunnells! 25 years and probably more than a thousand cars I bought from you. I'll always remember YOU the most. Thank you for the the memories. See you a little later my friend. Tony.