Amelia Evins Bethke ’10 was defined by her connection with the natural world. She loved the mountains, forests, and water, and made her life in these places. As a result, environmental awareness and conservation were strong elements in all aspects of her work and play. She had countless rich experiences and adventures and was careful to always leave a small footprint. She married her soulmate, Kristian Tollefson, in 2017. Together they lived aboard their sailboat in Squalicum Harbor and explored the San Juan Islands and Canadian waters extensively. Amelia was a dedicated long-distance trail runner. She gave back to her discipline, applying quiet, steady leadership and skilled craftsmanship to her work with trail crews throughout Washington. While employed with Whatcom County Parks, Amelia helped to build the popular Chantrelle Trail and was working on its extension. Despite the physical demands of her career, Amelia regularly commuted by bicycle. A Bellingham native, she attended Larrabee Elementary School, Fairhaven Middle School, and Sehome High School—and earned a B.S. in biology from SCU. Amelia’s life touched everyone who knew her with grace, beauty, humor, and love. On Aug. 15, 2019, she died suddenly at Lake Crescent, Washington, in her element: swimming on a sunny afternoon through crystal clear blue waters at the base of the Olympic Mountains with a friend. She was 31 years old. Amelia leaves behind her beloved husband, parents Emme (E.V.) and Scott Bethke, grandmother Sally Bishop, several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many dear friends.