Gordon Lee Winters, 70, of Ripon, died on Thursday, March 10 at Doctors Hospital of Manteca.
Mr. Winters was born on Oct. 29, 1940 in Modesto. He lived in Ripon for 70 years. He was a union carpenter for 40 years, employed solely by D. Cummins Corporation. He was also a walnut farmer.
He graduated from Ripon Christian Grammar and High Schools. He continued his education at Modesto Junior College for two more years. He was most characterized by his love for the outdoors. He was a skilled archer and member of Yahi Bowmen Archery Club of Modesto. He was a state champion for multiple years. He was also a lover of motorsports. He began by racing super modified racecars at the Stockton Motor Speedway. He then transitioned to racing go karts and motorcycles. His passion for racing included his entire family. He was admired for his abilities.
Mr. Winters' greatest love was spending time camping and hunting in the outdoors. The Winters family spent nearly every summer weekend in the mountains camping. His dream was to complete his cabin in Bear Valley, California. He was able to achieve his dream this past summer, just before the first snow. After retirement, he revisited his motorcycle interest and purchased a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Many road trips with his brothers and friends brought him great joy.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Jacqueline Winters; brothers Gary Winters (Birdie) and Duane Winters (Susan) of Ripon; sisters Beverly Kramer of Modesto and Marlene Snyder (Keith) of Grand Haven, Michigan; his children, Shirley Meeuwse (Jack) of Ripon, Larry Winters (Lynn) of Oakdale, David Winters (Nina) of Ripon and Mark Winters of Oakdale; grandchildren Matthew Cavanaugh (Jenni) of Delhi, Eric Cavanaugh of Ripon, Katie and Carlie Winters of Oakdale, and Courtney, Mackenzie, and Michael Winters of Ripon; and one great-granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Henrietta Winters of Ripon.
He will be missed by all who knew him.
Visitation was Sunday, March 13 at Deegan Ripon Memorial Chapel. Graveside service was Monday, March 14 at the Ripon Cemetery. Memorial service followed at First Christian Reformed Church in Ripon.
Remembrances may be made to Knights Ferry Community Church, P.O. Box 806, Knights Ferry, CA 95361.
Arrangements by Deegan Ripon Memorial Chapel; visit the website at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
March 16, 2011
Mr. Winters was born on Oct. 29, 1940 in Modesto. He lived in Ripon for 70 years. He was a union carpenter for 40 years, employed solely by D. Cummins Corporation. He was also a walnut farmer.
He graduated from Ripon Christian Grammar and High Schools. He continued his education at Modesto Junior College for two more years. He was most characterized by his love for the outdoors. He was a skilled archer and member of Yahi Bowmen Archery Club of Modesto. He was a state champion for multiple years. He was also a lover of motorsports. He began by racing super modified racecars at the Stockton Motor Speedway. He then transitioned to racing go karts and motorcycles. His passion for racing included his entire family. He was admired for his abilities.
Mr. Winters' greatest love was spending time camping and hunting in the outdoors. The Winters family spent nearly every summer weekend in the mountains camping. His dream was to complete his cabin in Bear Valley, California. He was able to achieve his dream this past summer, just before the first snow. After retirement, he revisited his motorcycle interest and purchased a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Many road trips with his brothers and friends brought him great joy.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Jacqueline Winters; brothers Gary Winters (Birdie) and Duane Winters (Susan) of Ripon; sisters Beverly Kramer of Modesto and Marlene Snyder (Keith) of Grand Haven, Michigan; his children, Shirley Meeuwse (Jack) of Ripon, Larry Winters (Lynn) of Oakdale, David Winters (Nina) of Ripon and Mark Winters of Oakdale; grandchildren Matthew Cavanaugh (Jenni) of Delhi, Eric Cavanaugh of Ripon, Katie and Carlie Winters of Oakdale, and Courtney, Mackenzie, and Michael Winters of Ripon; and one great-granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Henrietta Winters of Ripon.
He will be missed by all who knew him.
Visitation was Sunday, March 13 at Deegan Ripon Memorial Chapel. Graveside service was Monday, March 14 at the Ripon Cemetery. Memorial service followed at First Christian Reformed Church in Ripon.
Remembrances may be made to Knights Ferry Community Church, P.O. Box 806, Knights Ferry, CA 95361.
Arrangements by Deegan Ripon Memorial Chapel; visit the website at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
March 16, 2011
