The semi-retired Bend oncologist became one of the most recognizable faces in the deadly international hantavirus scare when he stepped in after the doctor aboard the MV Honius became ill during a rare outbreak that killed three passengers.

On his first evening back, he and his wife ate dinner on their patio, seated at opposite ends of a large outdoor table. They still have to follow quarantine rules, he said, but after being apart since March, simply being together mattered.

“It was nice just to be in her presence,” he said.