On Aug. 19, 2023, William Dean Philbern, affectionately known as "Pops", went to be with the Lord. He passed in his favorite place in the world, his home, at Blue Creek Lodge.

He was born in Larned, Kan., on May 20, 1932. It was there he met his wife of 69 years and 8 months, Thressia Philbern, and brought into the world their three children; Bill Jr., Garel Wayne, and Susan.

Pops and his family moved to Colorado in 1976, purchasing Blue Creek Lodge and starting their new adventure.

Love and kindness were one of the biggest strengths of Pops. Loved by all, he was joyous when people came to visit him and the beautiful lodge he had created. He was a man who would give the shirt off his back and always put others before himself.

Pops will be dearly missed by all who knew him and loved him. We are grateful for his love of Christ, knowing he is now with the Lord.

Pop’s legacy will be continued through his wife Thressia Philbern, children Bill Jr. (Cathy) Philbern, Garel Wayne (Dove) Philbern, and Susan Madrid, grandchildren Bubba (Sarah) Philbern, Nate Philbern, Kristen (Josh) Weger, Jessica (Cody) Douglas, Isabella (Philip) Addison, Johnny Brock, Olivia Madrid, and Fletcher Madrid, great-grandchildren Skylar, Isabella, Billie Dean, Ava, Samuel, Charlie, Allie, Lea, Ledger, Kinley, Jace, Addisyn, Aubrey, and great-great-grandchildren Noah and Scarlette.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, at the Creede Baptist Church.