Debi defied simple, easy descriptions—but one theme is central…

She deeply loved and fought for the people in her life. Whether for her husband of 45 years, Bob, for their four children, Amanda, Parker, Spencer, and Grace, for their two granddaughters, Naomi and Amaya, for her parents and siblings, for her friends and neighbors, for her photography clients (who all became friends), or for everyone involved across the world in Destination Imagination, she called us all to be better.

She expected us to follow her as fierce advocates for the least, the last, the lost, to be gentle and nurturing forces for children, and to be demanding examples of accountability in the world.

Debi was unconventional in so many ways—from her love of sequined converse tennis shoes, to her quest to see and do all things Disney, to spend as much time on the beach as possible, to her passion for rock and roll (especially ZZ Top and Led Zeppelin), to her love of Mini Coopers, and her collections of cookbooks and "little bowls," she unabashedly lived life to the fullest.

She was a gifted and creative artist, most especially with her camera. She captured authentic, powerful moments in time with kids (in particular, babies), with teenagers, with brides and grooms, with families, and with the people in her life.

You never doubted where you stood with her—she could be quite direct and even blunt at times. But—you also knew she'd drop everything to support you and would sit by your bedside (literally or metaphorically) and would reassure you that everything was going to be alright. She knew the exact right thing to do or say, and the exact right time and way to support everyone.

Debi is missed by so many across the world—and by paying it forward, her legacy will live on through the lives of those whom she touched.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Debi Tipton Legacy Fund supporting Destination Imagination Colorado . Giant party in celebration of her life happening in early June.