Remembering Those We've Lost

The South Coast ethos our employees share with our guests amplifies the resort experience. Our small-town vibe and the benefits that resonate within a tight-knit community and close connection with friends and family is ever-present in our daily interactions. Our guests feel it -- frequently commenting on the culture and staff friendliness. We celebrate this as a resort and are thankful that our team members feel the freedom to be themselves in the workplace. This is why when we lose members of our resort family it reverberates through our team and our community, reminding us to not take things for granted, to appreciate the day, and those we choose to work with. 

It's with great sadness that we share the recent loss of three team members. Peggy Wiest, Bobby Charitar, and Mark Bergmann. May they rest in peace. Our hearts go out to their families, friends, and to our team members who are grieving their losses. 

Margaret "Peggy" Weist

Peggy joined the Bandon Dunes family in 2017 as a Turnstand Attendant and became our first Staff Café Attendant in 2018. In April of 2019, she moved to the Reservations Department where she worked as the evening resort operator at the PBX desk. She had many friends around the resort and enjoyed living at Staff Village.

Peggy spent most of her life in Missouri and moved to the Oregon Coast to be closer to family. Before her employment at Bandon Dunes, she worked as a cook, caregiver, truck stop manager, and business owner. She loved knitting and liked to lend a hand with her skills as a seamstress. Pictured below: Peggy and her daughter, Joy.

Dhirendra "Bobby" Charitar

Bobby joined the Bandon Dunes family as a Starter/Ranger in June of 2015 and quickly became known for his bright smile, amazing customer care, and impeccable golf attire. He managed the first tee at Old Macdonald and then moved to the Bandon Dunes course, where he welcomed each guest to the first tee box with his warmth and knowledge of the game. Bobby embodied the principles of being genuine, helpful, and friendly and was presented with the TrueService Ambassador award in August 2017. 

Bobby grew up in the Coos Bay area, where he attended Marshfield High School and went on to work as the Store Manager at Kmart for 35 years. His number one priority was family, and he cared deeply for those around him. He loved the game of golf and was the perfect partner for those fortunate enough to play with him. Bobby’s outgoing personality and love of cooking were ever-present, and he was eager to share his culinary creations with others. He had a close bond with the Eagles Lodge in Coos Bay and was instrumental in the success of community dinners and helping those in need.

Mark Bergmann

Mark attended the University of Washington on an ROTC scholarship, and he went on to obtain his Masters of Education at City University. He served in the US Navy for three years as a navigator on the USS Higbee and was a proud veteran. Mark spent much of his career as a successful elementary school teacher in Vancouver, Washington. 

In June 2008, Mark started as a seasonal staff member at Pacific Dunes, helping transition the food and beverage operation from the temporary clubhouse to the current clubhouse. In 2009, he was hired as the Old Macdonald host, where he provided tours for VIP guests and media. Mark spent three summers at Bandon Dunes and realized he wanted to make the Oregon Coast his home. After 33 years, he retired from his teaching career and served as the Director of Guest Services at Bandon Dunes for the next nine years.