Pullen family statement

“It is with the deepest aches in our hearts that the family of Michael, Vanessa, Sydney and Christopher Pullen inform the community of their tragic deaths when a plane crashed in Butte, Mont. The Pullen family was full of energy, happiness and a zest for life. They were an active family and enjoyed traveling and spending time with their extended family, in addition to many other things.

Mike was born and raised in Galt. Mike was quiet, thoughtful, a great father, enjoyed working on projects and had a dry sense of humor. He was a partner of and dentist with DuHamel & Pullen Family Dentistry in Valley Springs. Many of his family members were proud to also be his patients. Mike Pullen enjoyed riding motorcycles and was often seen on his bike commuting from Galt to his office in Valley Springs.

Vanessa (Feldkamp) Pullen was raised in Redlands. Those who knew Vanessa remember her as a warm, thoughtful and hospitable woman. She was a pediatrician with Elk Grove Pediatrics, actively involved in Chris and Sydney’s school activities, a fantastic cook and a wonderful mother. Additionally, Vanessa enjoyed participating in half-marathons.

Sydney was 9 and in the fourth-grade at Lodi SDA Elementary. Sydney had a quiet and sweet nature. She excelled at school, played the piano and recently performed in a school play.

Chris was 7 and in the first-grade at Lodi SDA Elementary. Although Chris was also a good student, his real passion in life was being outdoors, riding motorcycles and playing sports. Chris was “all boy;” he was also a sweet and caring person.

The Pullen family spent much of their free time with their extended family. On Mike’s side of the family, Papa (Louis Pullen) and Grandma (Noellene Pullen) lived about five miles away from them and the kids spent hours on “the ranch” with Papa and Grandma. Mike’s sister, Jodi (Pullen) Nevis, and her family (husband, Jeff, and three girls, Pearl (age 9), Leia (age 7), and Annie (age 5) lived a few houses away from the Pullens. The kids were terrific friends and played together constantly.

It’s still hard to think that in one horrific moment, we suffered the greatest loss that our family has ever faced. For our entire lifetimes, we will feel the impact of losing all four of these wonderful people, whom we dearly loved. Our hearts are broken and grieving, but we take comfort in knowing that we will see Mike, Vanessa, Sydney and Chris again one day when all things are made new. Until then, we will treasure our memories and the times we spent together and know that our lives are richer and fuller because they were touched by Mike, Vanessa, Sydney and Chris.

Our thoughts and prayers are also with the Jacobson, Feldkamp, Summerfield and Ching families and others who have also been impacted by this tragedy.”