Good natured and bright spirited throughout his life, Paul Allen Winters, 56, of Ann Arbor, MI died peacefully in his home on July 3, 2013 after a year-long battle with cancer. Paul is survived by Jane, his beloved wife of twenty-eight years, children Peter and Lisa, parents Douglas and Carol Winters, brothers Bruce (Renee) Winters, Mark (Connie) Winters, Kevin (Margo) Winters, and Aaron (Cathy) Winters, as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Paul cherished family above all else. Affectionately known as ‘my favorite nephew’ or ‘my coolest uncle’, he loved family gatherings with his four brothers, always teasing his parents, but honoring them for raising him with strong family values. As a young boy, he enjoyed catching frogs, playing baseball, and fishing with his dad. There was never a dull moment in his childhood filled with daring adventures with his brothers.
Though born July 1, 1957 in Adrian, MI, Paul grew up in Ann Arbor and was a graduate of Huron High School. He attended Eastern Michigan University before earning his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1980.
He began his career as an environmental engineer in the automotive industry before joining the City of Ann Arbor in 1994. As a public housing official, Paul cared deeply for tenants. He was a great listener who always had a ready smile and caring words. He later worked for the Building Department, ensuring tenant safety as a housing inspector.
Paul was an avid bicycle rider, whose greatest accomplishment was riding his bicycle across the United States with his brother in the summer of 1977. Paul played on many local volleyball teams for over 30 years, and many will remember him as a beloved teammate on the volleyball court, with impressive cheese shots and as a skilled blocker. Everyone fortunate enough to know Paul and be a part of his life knew him as a kind, funny, loyal friend, who had a fondness for coffee and Washtenaw Dairy donuts.
He was an exceptional father to his children, with much time spent coaching them on the volleyball court, hiking in the Grand Canyon, and baking his favorite chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. Paul’s enthusiasm for the outdoors led his family on great hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing adventures. One of his greatest joys was time spent at the family cabin, where he and his wife shared their curiosity and love of nature with their children.
The family will hold a visitation at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 South Fourth Ave, Ann Arbor on Friday, July 12, from 4:00-7:00pm. Following private inurnment, a memorial service for Paul will be held on Saturday, July 13 at 2:00pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, 1432 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Park Foundation or the American Cancer Society. Please visit www.muehligannarbor.com
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