September 18, 1934- July 1, 2020
Robert (Bob) Winter went to be with the Lord after a two-month battle with cancer at age 85. Moments before his passing, Bob was able to share precious time with his family with his two daughters at his side and the rest of his family all together on video call. Bob is survived by his beloved wife Harriet of 60 years of marriage, daughters Sheri Deitering (Joe) and Tina Julian (Chuck) as well as his daughter-in-law Dana Winter. He leaves behind 6 grandchildren who adore him and 2 great-grandchildren who were blessed enough to truly know their Poppy. Bob has family in Michigan including his dear brothers Christopher, Earl, Gale, Steven, Greg, and their families. Waiting for Bob in heaven is his son, and best hunting buddy, Vance.
Born and raised in Michigan, Bob was a graduate of the 1952 Summerfield High School class in Petersburg, and eventually entered the U.S. Airforce where he proudly served for 4 years, including time flying F-80 Shooting Stars. During his time in the service, he was set up on a blind date with Harriet. He likes to joke that she stood him up, but she denies it. Eventually, he landed a date, and they would go on to marry and have 3 children. A lesson he shared with his grandchildren was that at an early point in his fatherhood, living in a cold climate, he concluded that shoveling snow meant spending several months of his life wishing for time to pass by quickly so warmer weather would arrive. He cherished his family time and did not believe anyone should be “wishing their life away”. He moved his young family to sunny Arizona, where he could live in the moment outdoors with them camping, hiking, and hunting. He worked as a computer engineer when computers were first arriving on the scene. As a software problem-shooter, he liked to claim that his job was “to try and break them”. He was a season ticket holder for the Cardinals and Sun Devils, always seated beside his family.
Upon retirement, it was rare that there wasn’t a grandchild or two in the house. When Grandma said the kids could have 2 Oreos, Grandpa was always good for sneaking 2 more. Bob and Harriet took pride in not missing their grandchildren’s sporting events, dance recitals, or school ceremonies. When their son Vance battled cancer, they were at every doctor appointment and traveled with him when he had to seek treatment. His best friend was his wife Harriet, and everything they did, they were in it together. They were affectionately referred to as “The Wild and Crazy Grandparents”. They enjoyed traveling the world, going to the movies, and spending their summers together at their cabin in Colorado. He created so many wonderful memories with his family, all of which he could remember as if they were yesterday with his impeccable memory. One of his favorite memories was his final trip to the cabin with all of his grandchildren. It brought him great joy seeing the family he brought together enjoying each other’s company. He even partook in the kids’ beer pong and flip cup games, where he uncovered a talent that had gone undiscovered for 84 years. His family is fortunate for the fun and memories he leaves them with. If there is a forest in heaven, that is where Bob will be, with his son Vance, in the presence of Jesus.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday October 2nd at 4:00 pm at Scottsdale Bible Church Cactus Campus- 2501 E Cactus Rd Phoenix 85032. A celebration of Bob’s life will immediately follow, please contact family for location.
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