Tin Bindi

Kristin Marie “Tin” Bindi, age 33, passed away on December 20, 2025, in Bozeman, Montana. She was born on January 11, 1992, in Columbus, Ohio. During her college years, Kristin began going by the name “Tin,” a name that reflected the grounded, authentic way she moved through the world and that she carried proudly for the rest of her life.Tin’s greatest passion was paragliding. Tin was one of the top female paragliders in the United States, recognized internationally for her strength, precision, and courage. She founded Sky’s The Limit Paragliding and Tours, combining her love of adventure, mentorship, and the freedom of the air. She loved acro-yoga, too, and taught it to all ages.

Being immersed in nature was central to Tin’s identity. She felt most alive outdoors—observing wildlife, studying plants and insects, guiding others through wild places, or taking flight through the sky. She made Montana her home, while also holding deep love for Bend, Oregon—one of her happiest places—and for the country of Turkey, which she cherished through her international travels. While paragliding in Turkey, Tin and her partner, Chad, built an incredible and deeply meaningful community of friends that became an important part of her life.

In 2022, Tin co-founded a Yellowstone tour guiding company with her sister, Lisa Joslyn, sharing her vast and seemingly infinite knowledge of wildlife, herbs, plants, and wildflowers. She was a gifted teacher and natural guide, able to make the natural world come alive for anyone lucky enough to explore alongside her.

Her creativity flowed through many forms—she loved working with her hands and was deeply gifted in making jewelry, especially malas. Tin was a fiercely dedicated and highly skilled herbalist, known for crafting tea blends tailored thoughtfully to each person’s individual needs. Through her work, Malas for Peace, she created each piece slowly and intentionally, infusing them with care, presence, and a quiet sense of devotion meant to support reflection, grounding, and connection. She was also an exceptionally talented artist who expressed herself through watercolor paintings, pottery, and photography—images so striking they felt worthy of National Geographic.

Above all, Tin showed up for the people she loved with both fierce strength and deep tenderness. She was an extraordinary listener who offered thoughtful, compassionate advice and encouragement. She loved building people up, supporting their growth, and celebrating their learning. She had a special gift for connecting with children and inspiring them to be active, curious, and confident outdoors. One of her favorite jobs before starting her guiding companies was her guiding work with RAD Camps in Bend, Oregon—a role that reflected her joy in mentoring young people.

Tin was playful, adventurous, and unafraid to challenge herself. She approached life with courage, curiosity, and an open heart, always willing to learn and to give more than was asked of her. She will be remembered as a devoted lover of nature, animals, insects, botany, natural herbs, and—most importantly—people. Those who knew her will never forget her radiant smile, her striking eyes, and her exquisite soul.

Tin is survived by her loving partner, Chad Charles; her mother, Carla Bindi; her father, Mark Bindi; her sisters, Nicole Bindi and Lisa Joslyn, who treasured their sister beyond measure; and her two adored nephews, Grant and Taylor Joslyn. She is also survived by her maternal grandmother, Helen (David) Sackett; her paternal grandmother, Wilma Bindi; maternal aunts Nancy Bader (Lonnie Meier), Linda Ingles (Kevin Ingles), and Barbara Decker (Craig Decker); paternal aunts Debbie Smithies (David Smithies) and Julie Kean (Rusty Kean); and cousins Jessica (Ben) Walker, Amy (Meritt) Stastny, Mike Thompson (Angelique Rewers), Chellie (Mike) Koehler, and Ruby Kean.

She was preceded in death by her beloved dog and best friend, Lola Bindi; her maternal grandfather, Ralph “Bud” Bader; her paternal grandfather, Rudy Bindi; her paternal grandmother, Bonnie Vetters (Charlie Vetters); her paternal uncle, Paul Bindi; and her maternal aunt, Karen Bader.

A Celebration of Life honoring Tin will be held on Saturday, July 11th, her half-birthday, during the warmth of summer. Family and friends will gather to celebrate her life and to spread her ashes in one of her most beloved places, Yellowstone National Park. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

Tin lived as she created—intentionally, courageously, and with deep love. Her legacy endures in the wild places she protected, the art she left behind, the people she lifted up, and the countless lives forever changed by her presence.

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Stay tuned for a scholarship in Tin’s honor to provide access to nature for kids.