Born Richard Recktenwald, his chosen name was Random Roads, and he was known in the community of Ballard Commons as “Mr. President.”  He is remembered for his love and care for his daughters, his granddaughter, his partner Bevin, and many, many others. From his daughter Melody: “He was the father of two girls, Melody and Trina, and a grandfather of River.  He loved playing and teaching music.  He was loud and had an unmistakeable voice.  He looked out for his family and community passionately.  He missed his love, Bevin, who died a couple of years before him.  He was sometimes challenging but had a huge heart.  He will be dearly…

Derrick was a member of God’s Li’l Acre.  He was murdered on Lake City Way October 2019.  WHEEL/Women in Black stood vigil for him. From Pastors Melanie and Jonathan Neufeld, Seattle Mennonite Church: “A proud veteran, who was with us a very short time – before he was tragically killed on 33rd Ave. We remember his quiet strength, a gentle giant – who always brought kindness, engagement and friendship into God’s Li’l Acre.” Derrick’s Leaf is placed at Lake City Mini Park.  If you have photos or memories to share please post a comment.

James died in hospital, from a gunshot wound. Pastors Melanie and Jonathan Neufeld, Seattle Mennonite Church: “A young life ended too soon. Sharp witted and funny, carrying a slightly mischievous smile through his day. Dearly missed by Cordelia and his community of God’s Li’l Acre.” His Leaf is placed at Lake City Mini Park.   If you have photos or memories to share please post a comment.

John died 11/20/20 of natural causes. Pastors Melanie and Jonathan Neufeld, Seattle Mennonite Church: “Over the 14 years that we knew John, we got to know a resilient man. He struggled, but he also worked hard for friends. Always eager to help, volunteer, work a side job – a quiet, thoughtful, gentle spirit.” His Leaf is placed at Lake City Mini Park.  If you have photos or memories to share please post a comment.

From Anna’s daughter, Kelly Ann: “When I found out she passed away on Facebook, I was really hoping she had made the post & it wasn’t real. If you knew her I think you’d agree that’s something she would do. She was only 61 years old, she couldn’t be gone. She just couldn’t be. She’s my mother and I need her here. But it wasn’t fake. She’s really gone. Those who knew Her, I’m sure will always remember her. I’m also pretty sure that if you knew her she made you laugh, made you mad, made you love her, made you cry & made you laugh again. All in one…

Samuel was born 12/4/61 and died 4/21/21; he was found at 125th/Lake City Way. His Leaf is placed at Lake City Mini Park.  If you have photos or memories to share please post a comment.

Rainy died in Harborview Medical Center after being struck by a car in the 13300 block of Lake City Way.  https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/woman-dies-after-being-struck-in-lake-city-way/ From Pastors Melanie and Jonathan Neufeld, Seattle Mennonite Church: “A fierce advocate for herself and those experiencing homelessness. One of her self-appointed roles was to hold providers accountable – to provide the things they said they would, with equity and generosity. She wanted the best for all people experiencing homelessness, as daily life was already so hard. Her sudden passing was a shock to her friends and family.” Rainy’s Leaf is placed at Lake City Mini Park. If you have photos or memories to share please post a comment.

David died in hospital on 7/5/20 but had been homeless in Ballard for quite some time.  He was well-known and loved. David’s Leaf is at Ballard Library.  If you have memories or photos to share, please post a comment.

Sheila died at the Kirkland Safe Parking Site (at Lake Washington UMC) in December 2019.  Women in Black stood vigil for her on Christmas Day that year.  Her Leaf was requested to be sited in Ballard by consensus of the women of the Safe Parking Site. Sheila was a huge reader, and was beloved. Sheila Christensen Obituary (1957 – 2019) – Westlake Village, CA – Los Angeles Times (legacy.com) Her Leaf is at Ballard Library.  If you have memories or photos to share, please post a comment. Featured Leaf  December 2022

Michael was known and loved at several locations.  From Canon Britt Olson of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church:  Michael was housed at the time of his death but spent a lot of time in the Ballard neighborhood and at the Edible Hope Kitchen.  His street name was “the Professor.”  He was so very smart and knowledgeable and carried a leather briefcase.  One day  I overheard Michael lecturing another guest on the merits of the contemporary painter David Hockney.    From Theresa Shepherd-Lukasik of St. Joseph Parish:   Michael came to our 2019 HS Confirmation Mass, which he has a picture of on his Facebook page. He walked down the center aisle in the…

Robert’s Leaf is at Ballard Library. If you have photos or memories of Robert, please post a comment.

Richard’s Leaf is at Ballard Library. If you have photos or memories of Richard, please post a comment.

Carol Ann’s Leaf is at Ballard Library. If you have photos or memories of Carol Ann, please post a comment.

Michael’s Leaf is at Ballard Library. If you have photos or memories of Michael, please post a comment.