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Kay De Witt Matteson, 1939—2018
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
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Roxanne “Roxy” Baker, 1956—2018
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.
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Gregory “Greg” Nichols, 1961—2018
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…
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Vernon Maendele, 1960—2017
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.
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Terry Cunningham, 1959—2014
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.
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Joshua Edward Thelen 1974—2014
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.
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Paul Bernard Dehesse, 1962—2018
From Paul’s obituary: “Mr. Paul DeHesse was born in Arizona on September 7, 1962 to Ruby Carter and Phillip Dehesse. He passed on February 3, 2018, due to health complications at CHI Franciscan in Tacoma, Washington. He is survived by his father, Phillip DeHesse and sisters, Phyllis Mertin, Vickie Hazidakis and Sherry Kieffer. Further, he is survived by his long-time confidante and companion, Patricia Graham and daughter, Jessica Ruby Ellen Graham and son, Kevin Moore. We will miss the Paul of humor, generosity of spirit, kindness and love. May he rest in peace.” According to Pastor Jonathan Neufeld of Seattle Mennonite Church, Paul had been sleeping outside for less than…
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Christen Beaty, 1973—2017
Christen Beaty, born November 23, 1973, was found dead near the intersection of 130th and Lake City Way on October 22nd, 2017. He died just a few weeks after being evicted from his apartment. His ex-mother-in-law, Debbie, remembers Christen as gentle, tender man. He was loved! Pastor Melanie Neufeld of Seattle Mennonite Church says, “He was a gentle giant of a man from the wilds of Alaska where his ex-wife and daughters still live and mourn his passing. He came to Seattle for treatment 15 years ago and stayed. He cherished his friends and his mother, with whom he kept in constant contact. He was always good for a BBQ…
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Jesse Vestal, 1974—2017
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…
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Marco Stokes, 1961—2017
Marco Stokes: January 27, 1961 – September 5, 2017 From Pastor Melanie Neufeld of Seattle Mennonite Church: “Marco was born and raised in Edmonds, which remained a favorite place for him. Marco is remembered today for his tireless commitment to his Lake City family of friends. He was a persistent ‘collector’ of items that were sold through the secondhand store or given out to friends in need. He was generous and caring. We celebrated when he received housing through McDermott Place and grieved when that ended and he was back on the streets. We remember also the persistent grief that his parents, three daughters, son and grandchildren continue to feel.”…
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Norman Averill Jr., 1958—2014
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.
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Thelma Graham, 1958—2017
From Thelma’s loved ones: “Our beloved Thelma left this Earth early Sunday morning. Our community is grieving. Sending love and strength to all of us who knew and cared for Ms. Thelma. She will be missed.” Thelma was known in her community for hosting BBQs at the nearby dog park. She was 59 years old when she died. Thelma’s Leaf is placed at Noel House. If you have photos or memories of Thelma you’d like to share, please post a comment below.
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Bevin Rebecca Armstrong, 1984—2018
Bevin was born October 10, 1984 and died July 7, 2018 at 33 years old. From Pastor Britt Olson of St. Luke’s Episcopal Parish: Bevin moved from Nashville, Tennessee to Seattle in order to obtain legal, medical cannabis to help control severe epileptic seizures. She lived in a van in the Ballard neighborhood and participated in a number of community feeds including the St. Luke’s Edible Hope Kitchen, the Sunday night Ballard churches dinner at Ballard First Lutheran and Trinity Methodist lunches. She got her clothes (a lot of pink) at the Bridge Care Center and the University Temple Thrift Store. She was a Starbucks regular and enjoyed her favorite candy…
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Iris Cloud, 1971—2016
Iris Cloud was born July 14, 1971. She was found dead on Christmas Eve, 2016, in Courthouse Park. Iris was beloved at DESC, and was soon to get an apartment through their programs. She was also known and is remembered at the WHEEL Women’s Shelter. Iris’s Leaf is at DESC (Downtown Emergency Service Center). If you have photos or memories of Iris, please share a comment. Featured Leaf July 2018
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Randall Coleman, 1953—2017
Randall was born September 3, 1953 and died July 17, 2017, shortly after getting an apartment. Randall’s friend David says, “He was the nicest, funniest person you could ever meet.” Randall’s Leaf is at DESC (Downtown Emergency Service Center). If you have photos or memories of Randall, please share a comment.
