Faces of Sunriver

After retiring from a career as a physician 10 years ago, Philip Dean knew that he wanted to enjoy the Sunriver area full time. He had spent 20 years in the area on a part-time basis, and was ready to settle in. Dean and his wife — who have three grown children and an empty nest — live five miles south of Sunriver and take advantage of the numerous opportunities for participating in outdoor activities.

Dean enjoys skiing and particularly likes to golf, and refers to the sport as “flogging.” He also enjoys travel and playing bridge, and being a part of the social nature of the community.

“I appreciate the varied, interesting backgrounds of the friendly folks we’ve met,” said Dean.

However, it is his long-term volunteer work at the Second Tern Thrift Shop that gives him the greatest satisfaction.

“What I love about volunteering is the mission of the Second Tern and the folks we volunteer with,” said Dean. “The knowledge that what we are doing contributes to a worthwhile cause — that gives me purpose.”

For the past five years Dean has volunteered for several days each week at the thrift shop, which supports the Sunriver Nature Center and the Oregon Observatory as well as local families in need of emergency assistance. In recognition of his years of dedicated service, Dean was recently named the Sunriver Nature Center Volunteer of the Year.

“I feel fortunate,” said Dean. “And humbled, as there are lots of qualified candidates.”

Something that not everyone might not know about Dean is that before entering the medical field he was a Navy pilot.

“I’ve been one fortunate fellow,” said Dean.