Legendary People

We would like to salute the people who have made the history of Bend so vibrant and distinctive. The hard work and community spirit of these individuals provides much to be celebrated.

Bill Healy
Over forty years ago, Bill Healy and a few avid skiers in Bend, envisioned a ski resort on Mt.Bachelor. In 1958 their dream came to fruition. Mt.Bachelor has now become a world-class ski resort, the scene of Olympic ski training and national competitions.

Bill's love for the mountain and for those who worked there are legendary. He was also admired and respected for his stewardship of the land and his compassion for the community. Bill's son, Cameron, founded The Bill Healy Foundation to commemorate Bill's legacy. To find out more, visit www.thebillhealyfoundation.org.

Robert Chandler
Robert W. Chandler founded Western Communications, Inc., the parent company of The Bulletin, Bend's local newspaper. A passionate believer in the power of journalism, he established the Chandler Lecture Series at the University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communication. This series brings preeminent journalists and journalism teachers to the university.

A life-long advocate of the disadvantaged and abused, Robert was named Oregon Philanthropist of the Year in 1990. Robert was a major supporter of Central Oregon Community College, the Bill Healy Housing Center for lower-income families, and the High Desert Museum. He also gave 50 scholarships to underprivileged children during his lifetime.

In a letter to Robert's family following his death, University of Oregon president Dave Frohnmayer said, "I know that Central Oregon wouldn't be such a lively and growing place today without (Robert's) influence. The area would not have such excellent educational institutions and social services. And, throughout the state, we wouldn't have so many feisty reporters and editors if it hadn't been for his training and, in some cases, financial help for education."

Sister Catherine Hellman
Sister Catherine first came to Bend in 1948 to serve as the nursing supervisor for St. Charles Hospital, then located on "Hospital Hill" in downtown Bend. She helped design the new St. Charles Memorial Hospital that opened in 1951. In 1969, she became the hospital's administrator and then later served as the president until 1989. She has served as President Emeritus since that time.

At the time Sister Catherine first assumed duties at the hospital, Bend had few medical specialists and frequently had to send patients over the mountains to Portland for advanced care. Many patients, especially those suffering from trauma and critical illnesses, did not survive the journey.

Sister Catherine's vision and leadership laid the path for the state-of-the-art hospital St. Charles is today. The hospital now has a national reputation for its unique healing environment and commitment to wellness and community partnerships. It has also been cited as one of the nation's best hospitals, specifically in the areas of cardiovascular, orthopedic, obstetric, rehabilitation, and cancer care.