Kay De Witt Matteson:  2/23/39—4/12/18 Kay De Witt Matteson was 79 years old when he died in his van in a Ballard parking lot, where he’d been parked with permission for several years. Women in Black stood for him in April 2018. Kay’s Leaf is placed at Ballard Commons Park.  If you have photos or memories of Kay you’d like to share, please post a comment below.   Featured Leaf April 2021

Roxanne “Roxy” Baker:  2/16/56–6/8/18 Roxy Baker died near St. Luke’s Episcopal Parish in Ballard.  She was a beloved member of that community, as well as the partner of Greg Nichols. Women in Black stood vigil for her in June 2018. Roxy’s Leaf is placed at Ballard Commons Park. If you have photos or memories of Roxy you’d like to share, please post a comment below.

Gregory Nichols:  8/27/61—4/21/18 From Pastor Britt Olson of St. Luke’s Episcopal Parish: Greg Nichols died in his sleep under the eaves on the north side of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Ballard.  He was the partner of 10 years to Roxanne Baker who died two months later under the eaves on the south side of St. Luke’s.  Greg and Roxy arrived in Ballard in Roxy’s car nearly two years before their deaths.  Towards the end, Greg’s heart condition made it difficult for him to get around.  He was a regular at St. Luke’s Edible Hope Kitchen and the Bridge Care Center.  A Memorial Service for Greg and Roxy was held on June…

Vernon Maendele:  5/30/60—5/5/17 Vernon died at Harborview Medical Center. From an Administrator at the Neighborcare Ballard Medical Clinic: “Vernon was a well-loved resident of the Nyer Urness Building for the last few years, where he always took the time to say hi. He was a kind-hearted man who often brought our office candy for patients and staff, and stayed positive even during hard times. He’ll be missed dearly.” Vernon’s Leaf is placed at Ballard Commons Park.  If you have photos or memories of Vernon you’d like to share, please post a comment below.

Terry Leroy Cunningham:  4/18/59—4/26/14 Terry Cunningham was a beloved Real Change vendor in front of the Ballard Bartell’s drugstore. Terry’s Leaf is placed at Ballard Commons Park.  If you have photos or memories of Terry you’d like to share, please post a comment below.

Joshua Edward Thelen:   11/7/74—2/12/14 He was just 39 years old when he was found near QFC/Ballard Commons Park, and died a short time later at Harborview Medical Center. Joshua’s Leaf is placed at Ballard Commons Park.  If you have photos or memories of Joshua you’d like to share, please post a comment below.

Jesse Vestal:  December 12, 1974 – July 2017 From Pastor Melanie Neufeld, Seattle Mennonite Church: “Jesse was originally from Gold Bar, where his young children still live.  He was a gentle and generous presence on the streets of Lake City.  He was an easy conversationalist; this coupled with his honesty and trusting nature made him an easy person to love and appreciate.  We celebrated his getting into an apartment–which he often didn’t think he deserved–and grieved when he died mere weeks after getting keys to his new place.” Jesse’s Leaf is placed at the Mini Park in Lake City.  If you have photos or memories of Jesse you’d like to…

Norman died at age 55 in a vacant lot in Lake City. Women in Black stood vigil for Norman in October 2014. Norman’s Leaf is placed at the Mini Park in Lake City. If you have photos or memories of Norman that you’d like to share, please post a comment below.