Discovery Park has long been a place where people celebrate milestones, build memories, and connect with nature. For the Haak family, the park was a meaningful part of Benjamin’s life from childhood onward — a place filled with family adventures, outdoor exploration, and treasured memories.
The following remembrance was shared by Benjamin’s mother, Debbie Gotchef, in honor of her son and his connection to Discovery Park.
My name is Debbie Gotchef, my husband is Tom Haak. Our son is Benjamin Haak. He was living in Bellingham and had a fatal fall on Sauk Mountain on October 18th, 2017 on a solo hike. He would have been 21 on the 14th. He loved backpacking, hiking, skiing, sailing, and just about any activity outside.
Discovery Park was a favorite family spot since he was a baby. He had his 3rd birthday party there, and participated in the Discovery Park Nature Day camp many times when he was a boy. We spent many hours as a family in the park, riding bikes, throwing the football, climbing trees, and exploring. His sister, Ellery Haak, is 18, and also loves the park. She has been bringing her new puppy, Hansa, there every week since we got her in November (she is our grief pup 😊).
Honoring Benjamin’s Love of the Outdoors
Many volunteers, visitors, and community members have their own stories of connection and belonging at Discovery Park. If you would like to help preserve this special place for future generations, consider volunteering with Friends of Discovery Park or making a donation in memory of someone who loved this park.
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