Hundreds Remember Life of Fifth Grader

More than 200 voices carried the words of “Amazing Grace” over the sounds of youth leader Rob Cochran’s acoustic guitar Saturday at Calvary Fellowship in Mountlake Terrace as friends and relatives said goodbye to a boy who loved animals.

Daniel “Danny” Gocus, 10, passed away January 28 after asphyxiating in a box of packing material during a game of hide-and-seek.

Gocus was well known for his love of animals, becoming a regular at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle and spending time caring for the Gocus family’s German Shepherd.

During the memorial service, Andrew Gocus, Daniel’s father, read a story Daniel had written about the day the family picked up their new dog from someone they had contacted through Craigslist.

“My dad loves German Shepherds,” the story read. “The puppy was adorable . . . We named him Aslind. I am really glad we got a dog.”

At one point, the dog tried to run away, but Daniel was able to bring the pup back home safely. He then asked his father for $10 in return for his services.

“I think I gave him 20,” Gocus said. “They played all the time. They just had some special bond, and he just had a special way to light up the day—whether it was rainy or cold. He really did.”

Daniel Gocus’ family, including his five brothers and sisters and mother, shared stories of Daniel’s trips to the zoo, recalling his ability to remember countless animal facts.

“Most of my family has said that someone in heaven must have needed a vet,” said Daniel’s mother, Colleen.

Pastor Wayne Taylor said Gocus was a devoted Christian who regularly attended youth services and events at Calvery Fellowship.

“I’m sure we were all stunned to hear of his passing, but we know exactly where he is at—with Jesus,” Taylor said.

Tables in the church's lobby overflowed with emotional letters to the family from Shoreline students, most handwritten in colored pencil or crayon. Classmates, teachers, Boy Scouts and friends shared stories about the boy throughout the service.

Many, including his two closest friends and teacher Therese Russell, said Gocus, a special education student, could be difficult to get along with at first, but it was his warm personality that made him stand out.

“He taught me three things,” said Ridgecrest Elementary Principal Cinco Delgado. “Learn with laughter, question with optimism, and, the biggest—smile.”

Gocus played for the Richmond Bulldogs, part of the Northwest Junior Football League. Fellow teammates attended the service in uniform, accompanied by their coaches, to present the Gocus family with a signed jersey and announce a new fund to help local underprivileged children play junior football, named the Danny Gocus Foundation.

Gocus was born in Swedish Hospital in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle in 2000. He and his family have also lived in Marysville and Alaska.