-
Leaf Dedication at Ballard Commons Park, June 18, 2015
On June 18th, more than 80 people gathered to lay down and bless three new Leaves of Remembrance around Ballard Commons Park. They were homeless, once-homeless and never-been-homeless people gathered together, and the feeling of community love and spirit was extraordinary and profound. Early on, a Bridge Care Center worker had to go across the street to St. Luke’s church to fetch a box of Kleenex. Through the afternoon, many tears of grief and joy were shed. The Ballard dedication timeline was driven by a special request made by Evelyn and Brian Gooch, parents of Dana “Fish” Gooch, whose Leaf was laid that day. Just two days after the Dedication…
-
Laura Ann Barringer, 1954—2015
Laura Ann Barringer was born Sept. 1, 1954 to Billie and Connie Barringer. She grew up in Lake Forest Park, WA, and graduated from Shorecrest High School. Growing up she loved horses, animals, and modeling. She was bright, kind, smart, and caring. She had a certain light about her and people were drawn to it. In 1981 she moved to Hawaii where her daughter Chantelle was born. Her son Jarrett was born in Washington in 1990. She devoted her life to her children. Laura became a grandma to Ayden, Kyler, and Kenzie; she loved them more than anything and was the greatest grandma anyone could ask for. She wanted to…
-
Dana “Fish” Gooch, 1965—2014
Daniel “Dana” “Fish” Gooch was a fisherman at St Jude Alaska who studied and later became an AMSEA drill inspector. He always drew a fishing line in his written letter sign-off. “Fish” died in a Lynnwood care facility on December 7, 2014. He had been a beloved member of the Ballard homeless community, described as “a real loving person, a likeable fellow.” He has a memorial page at American Memorials. His Leaf is placed at Ballard Commons Park. If you have photos or memories to share, please post a comment. Fisherman’s Prayer I pray that I may live to fish Until my dying day. And when it comes to…
-
Roger Dale Andrews, 1957—2014
Roger Andrews requested a Leaf while he was in hospice at Nyer Urness House. This was what his counselor and friend, Beth Monkarsh, said about Roger at that time: Roger is a funny, kind, playful, and frank person who has lived in Ballard for over 20 years. He loves to play cards, (especially Baseball and Dummy), enjoys country music, writes poetry and short stories, and paints. Roger is an avid Seahawks fan. He also loves nature documentaries and animals (he has two pet fish). He enjoys cooking, especially seafood, and is always willing to share his creations. I first met Roger in February 2014 when I began working at Nyer…
-
Margo Stenson, 1969—2014
Beloved mother of six children, three boys and three girls. She will be missed. Margo’s Leaf is placed at Seattle Mennonite Church. If you have photos or memories to share, please post a comment. Featured Leaf June 2025
-
Michael Franklin, 1956—2015
Michael was a good-hearted man well known and remembered at Bridge Care Center, and a Real Change vendor at Trader Joe’s in Ballard. He lived in his RV, on Leary Way under the bridge, where he was found dead on February 10, 2015. He is survived by two daughters and four granddaughters. Michael’s Leaf is placed at Ballard Commons Park. If you have photos or memories to share, please post a comment. Featured Leaf February 2017
-
Summer Solstice Celebration
-
June 2015 Leaf Dedications: Ballard & Lake City
