Meet our Members

Dale Amundsen
Evergreen Washelli of Bothell

      Then                      Now

I’m Dale Amundsen.  I’ve had the pleasure of representing Evergreen Washelli with the Greater Bothell Chamber of Commerce since the GBCC’s inception.

How’d I get here?

Well, I started out as a ministry student who hoped I’d never have to work around dead people, stand in front of large audiences or interface with police (they all scared me).  I’m convinced our Maker has a sense of humor because I’ve conducted nearly 4000 funerals, spoken to audiences of over 3000 and served as head chaplain to the King County Sheriff’s Office, now having hundreds of friends in the police world.  In 2003 I joined up with Evergreen Washelli to do their community relations.  Now, I work as a contractor with Washelli, doing some community work but mostly heading up their life celebration ceremonies.

What is Washelli?

Evergreen Washelli had its beginnings in 1884 with the pioneering Denny family.  Washelli is a Makah word for westerly wind.  With facilities in Seattle, Brier and Bothell, Washelli is a nationally recognized full-service funeral provider and is family owned.  With the tag line, “every life has a story,” Washelli is about preserving those stories.

Who am I?

I’m a Seattle native, born to an airline captain and a homemaker.  Dad taught me how to drive; Mom taught me how to cook.  I met Wendy when she was the manager of a bakery.  I fell in love with her cookies and donuts.  Soon, I realized I was actually in love with her, so we got married in 2003 and – though she now works for Washelli -- she still bakes cookies!

I have three children:  Jonathan supervises a trade mortuary; Stephanie helps my kid brother manage his Juanita-area service station; and Jeff is a Sergeant in the US Army.  With Wendy, I inherited Kody who works for Google and Kristina who helps out her mother in her side-business of wedding rentals.

One of my greatest pleasures has been my association with the Greater Bothell Chamber of Commerce.  I had the privilege of serving as board chair for the GBCC from 2007-2010.  What a great group!  Our Chamber is a powerful benefit to the community and to its members!

Miscellany

I like crunchy Cheetos, a good steak (medium rare) and clam chowder.  My favorite colors are purple, lavender and maroon.  I love to drive and any excuse for a road trip.  In keeping with the biblical Proverb – “a merry heart does good like a medicine” – I enjoy laughing and making people laugh.