Raymond Dewey

EDITOR’S NOTE: A church community is created when people gather together for the love of God. At the same time, Saint Philip’s is composed of many people who represent different ages, life experiences, and world views.

The “In conversation…” series is one attempt to create possibilities for connection between the different people in our community. As varied as we all are, there are also similarities and mutual interests waiting to be discovered. And there is one thing we all share: A desire to know God and be in relationship with him.

This week’s conversation is with parishioner and volunteer, Raymond Dewey.

Raymond Dewey

How long have you been a Saint Philip’s parishioner?
My wife, Linda, and I attended our first service on March 4, 2006. 

How do you remember the specific date?
Linda and I lived on the east coast at the time. We were freezing and decided to visit my sister here in Tucson. She’s an Episcopalian, too, and suggested we attend Saint Philip’s. 

What was your first impression?
I felt comfortable immediately. I was astounded by the different connections—which some people might call “signs”—that suggested we were in the right place.

For example, I learned that I knew the father of the priest who preached that day. I saw a man walking with a copy of Sky and Telescope magazine, and recognized a kindred spirit (as I’m an amateur astronomer). The formation class offered that morning was intriguing. I couldn’t believe how easily we fit in.

And then there was the First Sunday Music. We knew after that first visit that we had to live in Tucson!

What’s kept you at Saint Philip’s for almost 17 years?
I think about that a lot. The best way to describe why is that we live in a desert and Saint Philip’s is an oasis where I am nourished. 

The relationships I’ve formed in this parish community are at a level I never experienced before. The other reason I’m still here is because I’m involved as a volunteer.

What are your current volunteer activities?
I serve as the Treasurer for the Preservation & Endowment Fund and the Music Ministry Fund. I’m also an usher.

What do you enjoy about being an usher?
I love to welcome people. I’ve aged but inside I’m still the 9-year-old boy in Shelby, Ohio (with only 9,000 residents) who loved to ride his bike, wave to people, and say, “hi!”

Which service do you typically attend?
The 9:00am service.

What did you do professionally before retiring?
My background is in accounting and finance. I spent close to 25 years with Agfa-Gevaert which is a German/Belgian company that develops, manufactures, and distributes analog and digital imaging products. My last role was Corporate Controller for the United States division. My job was ultimately to know where to find answers to questions.

What did you like about the work?
What I liked most was that every day offered something new. And I also loved working with teams to accomplish goals. That carries over to volunteering as an usher. 

What is one of your guiding principles?
That we’re not here for ourselves alone. Relationships are extremely important; we can’t accomplish anything independently.

Do you have a hobby?
I have a strong interest in astronomy—which dovetails with my guiding principle mentioned above. We know from science that we’re part of a much, much larger system. We know more than we did but there’s still much to learn. It’s similar to spiritual development.

I believe we are spiritual beings having a human experience. It’s very exciting to know that there is constant change and God alone knows what is coming our way. I love that the universe and our place in it is a mystery. It’s a challenge to grasp what we do know, and I’m certainly not going to solve the mystery, but I sure enjoy the quest.

Photography is my other hobby—which I often combine with my interest in astronomy. (See photos below).

What’s one of your super powers?
My attitude. I truly believe that if you can imagine it, then you can make it happen.

Chocolate or vanilla?
I seldom go beyond either. I don’t understand why we need all the extra flavors!

Cake or pie?
Both—with ice cream!

Missed an interview? All previous interviews can be found on Saint Philip’s website under the “About Us” tab. Click here to visit that page.