Lewis Eldon Winder (AKA Louie) left this world after 87 years of kindness to everyone. Born in Bremerton, WA on July 2, 1937, he was the son of Eldon Winder and Mary Goldsworthy. Her family was one of the early settlers in Bremerton. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Mark Winder and his sister Marilyn Walker.
Some of his favorite memories growing up in Bremerton were being a Boy Scout, playing with his neighborhood friends, building an eight-foot boat with his dad as a teenager, and playing football at Bremerton High School before graduating in 1956. He was in the Army and the Army National Guard for five years.
Louie married Margie Harvey on September 17, 1960 in Seattle. He says he fell in love with her because she liked boating! From age 16 until he passed away, there was a succession of boats in their driveway and one in their garage. For more than a decade – regardless of weather – our family, along with several families from RBCC, boated every summer weekend in the San Juan and Canadian San Juan Islands.
He worked at Boeing for over 39 years and left the company in 1995 along with 13,000 other Boeing employees who had the same “last day.” He was a machinist on the commercial side of Boeing for the first 20 years and then worked in spart parts on the military side.
In 1966, under the direction of Margie’s builder dad, David Harvey, he helped build a new house for our family, before his daily swing-shift started and on weekends. He spent his entire vacation that year installing wallboard in the house. After retirement, he bought a 34’ motorhome and with Margie they spent their winters in Hemet, CA for many years. Louie & Margie have been members of Richmond Beach Congregational Church – United Church of Christ since 1969.
Louie loved being a father to his two kids, Gail and Rich. He’s survived by his wife Margie, Gail (Dave), Rich (Nancy), grandchildren Tori (Tom), Scott, Ryan, and Linda (Brian). He’s also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was an amazing man, husband, father and grandfather and our lives were richer for being loved by him.
Remembrances can be made to Shriners Hospital for Children of Spokane at 911 W. 5th Ave., Spokane, WA 99204 or to a charity of your choice.
The post first appeared on Barton Family Funeral Service.