Winston R. McIntosh

A Thread Well Spun

From the verdant hills of Saint James, Jamaica, to the sun-kissed shores of Florida, Winston Ralford McIntosh, 85, journeyed with a quiet dignity and a heart intricately woven with threads of faith, family, and service. Winston passed peacefully on February 25, 2025, in Lauderhill, Florida, leaving behind a legacy as finely crafted as the garments he so masterfully tailored.

Born under the vibrant Jamaican sun on Friday, March 10, 1939, to Rufus and Zillah McIntosh, Winston’s early years in Bogue Hill were filled with the warmth of family and the simple beauty of rural life. From a young age, his nimble fingers and keen eye displayed a gift—one that would shape his life’s work. Honed in the classrooms of primary school, his talents led him to a lifelong career as a professional tailor. Winston wasn’t merely a tailor; he was a creator, a craftsman, a designer whose work spoke of precision and passion. From the local workshops of Dale Allen and Sterling Enterprise to the prestigious halls of Ralph Lauren, where he managed for a decade, Winston’s work spoke of perfection, skill, and an unyielding commitment to excellence.

At 22 years old, Winston married Hilda Hopwood, and together they built a life centered on love, family and shared dreams. As a father, he poured his love and guidance into Monica (stepdaughter), Clive, Rowena, David, Stephen, and Waren. A provider, a protector, a steady and gentle force—he instilled in his children the values of hard work, integrity, and devotion to one another. With the desire to create greater opportunities for their family, Winston and Hilda made the courageous decision to leave Jamaica. In 1970, they migrated to the United States, paving the way for their children to join them two years later. Their commitment extended beyond their immediate household, as they tirelessly worked to sponsor their parents, siblings, and even friends, ensuring that their community thrived in their new home.

On October 7, 1989, Winston married Muriel McIntosh, his steadfast partner in faith and family. Their love was a sacred bond, one that grew deeper with each passing year. Together, they built

a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Through their marriage, Winston gained not only a devoted wife but a bonus family that he embraced as his own. He and Muriel worked tirelessly in their shared mission to serve God, leading souls to Christ through their personal ministry. Their faith was their foundation, and together they dedicated their lives to the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Winston served as a Personal Ministry Director, Sabbath School Teacher, and a founding member of the Lauderhill S.D.A. Church. He was also the first elder at Pompano Beach S.D.A. Church, where his wisdom and kindness touched countless lives. His dedication was recognized with an award from the First S.D.A. Church of West Palm Beach, a small token of recognition for a life dedicated to the great commission of spreading the Gospel and those harvesting souls for the Kingdom.

In his later years, as Winston’s health declined, Muriel stood by his side with a love that knew no bounds. She was a great source of comfort, his unwavering caregiver, sacrificing her own needs to ensure he received the highest level of care. For fifteen years, she tended to him with patience, devotion, and a selfless heart, demonstrating a love that was not only spoken but shown in the quiet moments of care and compassion. Her strength and sacrifice were a testament to the vows they shared, a love that endured through every trial and triumph.

Winston is preceded in death by his parents, Rufus and Zillah McIntosh, his son, David McIntosh, his grandson, Jandi Cherry, and his siblings, Lalda McFarlane, Joyce McIntosh, Ansel McIntosh, and Aneita Williams.

He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Muriel McIntosh, his cherished children and their spouses: Monica Dixon and Sid, Clive McIntosh and Maha, Rowena Ashton, Stephen McIntosh and Joy, and Waren McIntosh. He is also survived by his beloved brother, Ashbourne McIntosh and his wife Julia, his sisters, Beatrice Graham and her husband Noel, Millicent McIntosh, Veronica McIntosh, and Patricia Allen, his eight grandchildren (Christopher, Kyle, Sidney, Clive Jr., Brooke, Anisa, Alexis, and Waren Jr.) and his seven great-grandchildren (Christopher Jr., Jazmine, Promysse, Kristen, Aiden, Ariel, and Chi-Ara), along with countless family members and friends whose lives he touched.

A Celebration of a Life Well Lived:

• Viewing: Sunday, March 16, 2025, 10:00 AM, Lauderhill S.D.A. Church.

• Funeral Service: Sunday, March 16, 2025, 11:00 AM, Lauderhill S.D.A. Church, officiated by Pastor Garry A. Gordon.

• Repass: Immediately following the service, Lauderhill S.D.A. Church.

• Interment: Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 10:00 AM, Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Central.

• Arrangements: Entrusted to Forest Lawn Funeral Home.

The family of Winston and Muriel McIntosh extends their deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support. They especially thank the compassionate team at VITAS Healthcare, Chaplain Wilson, and social worker Susan Hopkins for their exceptional care.

Winston Ralford McIntosh’s life was a tapestry of faith, love, and devotion—a testament to the power of service, the beauty of family, and the enduring strength of love. His legacy, like a finely tailored garment, will forever clothe the hearts of those who knew and cherished him, a reminder of a life lived with purpose, praise, and grace.