My Dear Julie was the joy of my life when she was born. I was 11 years old and my little sister became my little girl. Julie always loved looking at and reading books. We lived in Denver when she was born, but when she was 3 years old we moved up to High Drive in the mountains between Morrison and Evergreen.
Julie really flourished on our property; she loved climbing trees and she always enjoyed nature and the beauty that surrounded her. Of course our German Shepard “Sandy “ was always by her side as she went on her adventures along with “Petunia” our cat. One day she called out “Rosalind come find me”. There she was, she climbed up our biggest Ponderosa Pine and was waving at me with such joy.
That was our adventurous Julie. We miss her so much and our lives will always have her in our hearts forever.
– Rosalind Dean
Julie Christie Geng, born in Denver, Colorado, on April 15, 1967, lived with a spark that could not be contained. She was an adventurer in every sense—whether scaling peaks, diving into extreme sports, exploring the world, or embracing the freedom of #vanlife, she found joy in movement, challenge, and discovery.
Julie grew up in Evergreen, Colorado, with her parents and twin sisters, Rosalind and Rosemary. Their home often echoed with the joyful sounds of polka, played by Julie on her red accordion. After graduating from Evergreen High School, she pursued her passion for science at the University of Arizona, studying nuclear engineering.
She began her career as a criticality engineer at the Rocky Flats Engineering Technology Site in Colorado. It was here she met her partner, Mark, and forged deep friendships. Julie was a force of nature, tackling mountains on skis, bikes, and her own two feet. She hosted legendary “JARs” (Julie’s Adventure Races), led Full Moon Hikes on Bear Peak, and organized Halloween Bowls. A lifelong goal was completed in 1998 when she summited Sunlight Peak, her final Colorado Fourteener.
What truly made Julie extraordinary was not just the adventures she chased, but the community she built around them. She had a gift for bringing people together, connecting friends who might not have met otherwise and creating bonds that lasted a lifetime. From promoting small adventure races to planning spontaneous gatherings, she loved seeing her friends push their limits, cheer each other on, and celebrate together.
In 2003, Julie embarked on a solo, year-long journey around the world, a sojourn that took her from the rugged landscapes of Australia and New Zealand to the ancient temples of Thailand and Cambodia, and many European countries, including Norway, France, and England. Her love for travel never waned; throughout her life, she visited relatives in Germany, skied and mountaineered in Switzerland, and biked through Croatia and Mallorca. She shared her experiences by writing countless postcards, collecting “floaty pens,” and carrying her stuffed bear on her backpack.
A true cat person, Julie had a special place in her heart for all felines, large and small. Her wardrobe often featured playful cat prints and striking tiger designs. Her compassion extended beyond her clothing—she once rescued an abandoned cat from a rest stop in Nevada.
In 2006, Julie moved to Victor, Idaho, to continue her career at Idaho National Laboratory. She carried her adventurous spirit with her, making the most of Idaho’s beautiful environment. Together, she and Mark shared a love of travel and exploration, visiting family in Colorado, Montana, Nevada, and Germany.
Julie and Mark settled in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 2019. She worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory before retiring in 2024. While she excelled in her professional field, her true legacy is the laughter, warmth, and lightheartedness she shared. She reminded everyone around her that life is meant to be lived fully, and that even in serious moments, there is always room for joy. We will remember Julie for her courage, her kindness, and her playful spirit.
Julie departed on July 29, 2025, leaving us with richer lives and a determination to explore the world with her same sense of wonder. Her legacy is a community forever shaped by her love for adventure and her ability to turn strangers into friends.
