Gary was my uncle, I feel that we did not share many moments together, but I have plenty of wonderful memories with Gary! There were many story's that were shared with me about him. I knew Gary as "Mr. Safety" and the guy who shot a whole in his parents roof while cleaning his gun. However just looking through his workshop, there was so many things that I found out about him! I had no idea that he did motorcycle racing! This opened up a whole new perspective of him too me and it makes me think of him completely different! I know that he will be greatly missed, but it does not feel right to say goodbye. May he fly high!

Gary was a wonderful friend. We did many things on motorcycles together. The photo is from a 24 hour road race that Gary participated in in the early 1970s. He is the person on the left. 

We did a trip to New Orleans in 1971. It was Gary's first long  motorcycle trip. We called him Mr. Natural back then because he was a free thinker and very philosophical. Here's a link to the film: https://flybyweek.com/oldfilms/FourforNewOrleans720.mp4

Dr. Gary Winn, was my professor, my mentor, my advisor in life and career, but most of all I had the pleasure and distinct honor calling him friend! He attended my wedding, advised my wife (actually told on me first). We lost a great man and I am so sorry for the wife and kids. My deepest apologies. Know that his legacy is strong and I will continue to pay it forward as he did. Many blessings, West Turner #91 'EERS.

When we kids were growing up, we all looked forward to our summer vacations at Grandma Pennington’s farm just north of Kansas City, MO. I am eternally grateful that, several years after our Grandma had passed on, Gary took it upon himself to hold our first Pennington cousin reunion at his own beloved farm in SW PA and we’re still getting together every other year.  Gary will be sorely missed, but his legacy lives on in all of us who knew and loved him.  
Godspeed, Gary.


Gary, 
You my dear cousin, will be terribly missed! The extended family became close because of a heartfelt idea you had to start the Pennington family reunion 27 years ago (1995) at your beautiful Prosperity Pennsylvania farm. Thank you for bringing us together! You are the original "Supreme Commander" and we shall take great pride in wearing "Gary's hat." There are so many things I'm going to miss about you: hearing you call me "Gretch," the way you listened with one hand on your belly and the other up by your chin, the way you tipped your head back/arched your back and gave a short little laugh with a huge smile, always intently studying anything we had to say, and giving your frequent little head nod to let us know you heard us. You were so good at questioning things to get us to think beyond what we even realized we knew. Your wealth of knowledge, your thirst for life long learning, and your willingness to help anyone that crossed your path either with your hands or your amazing mind will be truly missed! 
We love you Gary Winn!

Your life was a blessing, 
your memory a treasure. 
You are loved beyond words 
and missed beyond measure.

Dr. Winn's legacy is full of resounding praise, grace and dignity. A man full of humanity, who poised himself as a father, mentor, leader and friend. His empathy for everyone around him sets him apart from every other professors I have ever encountered. 

Being his student, and mentee for over 8 years, I have had the privilege to witness and enjoy first hand the kindness of his heart. He doesn't just treat you as a student or subordinate, instead, he makes you feel like a true friend indeed. Little wonder his name is the most common on the lips of all the graduate students who encountered him.

From moving to the United States from Nigeria with no clear cut idea of what life holds for me in a foreign country, to being in a very positive position in my career as a safety professional, Dr. Winn was at the helm of my professional growth. He thought me leadership, honesty, professionalism, and ingenuity. I am certain a large number of internationals like me share the same experience with Dr. Winn.

Out of the kindness of his heart and his resolve to see everyone of his mentees/students succeed, he came out of retirement to reclaim his faculty status just to be on my research committee when I personally requested that he should be on my committee even if as a nominal member. A gesture I will forever be grateful for.

Dr. Winn showed us the way of love and light even in our diversity, he treated everyone right irrespective of where you're from or your religious affiliation. I remember being the first international student to hold a graduate assistant position in the safety program as the safety management library supervisor, all thanks to Dr. Winn, who looked past previous trends/criteria of awarding the positions to qualified graduate students. 

There are not enough words to qualify or quantify the goodness I have enjoyed from Dr. Winn's kindness. He was a father away from home to me.

I will always cherish the good deeds of his hands and the love which he showed to everyone around him in different ways.

REST ON DR. WINN. YOU WILL BE GRATELY MISSED.

Tribute to Dr Gary L. Winn
Dr Winn was a great teacher and mentor who continued to give his best to us even after his retirement. His passion for his students success was second to none. The news of his death was shocking and jaw-dropping because a few weeks before his death we had a long conversation on my progress and what I can do to achieve my set goals and objectives and we planned to catch up in an event soon. Beyond doubt, he had proved to be a God-ordained pillar of my support since my arrival in the United States as an international student in December 2014. He played this role till his death. He was always ready to help and contribute regardless of the magnitude of the challenge. I can’t forget the time we had 24 email conversations during a day and night in an effort to help me solve a specific problem.
There is no word that can adequately his position and contributions in WVU Safety Management program and among the international students in the department. We have lost a great hero who played unquantifiable roles in our lives but we take solace in God who knows the best. 
“Fading away like the stars of the morning,
Losing their light in the glorious sun--
Thus would we pass from the earth and its toiling,
Only remembered by what we have done”.
Dr Winn will continue to be remembered by what he has done. Let’s keep his memory evergreen.

John Olanrewaju Fadairo, PhD


I am grateful for the days I spent with Gary during the family reunions he started and I feel cheated and shocked that I cannot expect more.  I expected he would be there, any time we got together; smiling, with an impressively well informed opinion and interesting anecdote on just about ever topic we discussed.  He would listen more intently than most, curious about me and my family but also about what (little) he could learn from me that he didn't already know.  We set up a giant slip-n-slide, we launched potatoes, we ate and talked and went to museums and considered engineering questions --- and I am considerably better for each of those memories I carry... and wish for more.

Austin, Laura, Ava, Sug, Cheryl... I'm so sorry for your loss and my heart goes out to you.

I met Gary just recently by doing some work for him. We had several conversations about bricks to politics music. And we connected on one Artist
We both enjoyed over the years he had died recently  which he wrote a song in passing that me and Gary got a few laughs about but it is so fitting. The artist is John Prine  it’s called When I Get to Heaven. If you get a chance download it and think of Gary. He will be sadly Missed. I’ll meet you on the other side my friend.

Gary Winn lived life large, and hoped that everyone else would aim for their full potential too.  He listened hard, generally had something meaningful to contribute, and often expanded the topic of conversation based on numerous life experiences and things he’d read.  It was hard to keep up.  His appreciations ranged from gardening to engineering, from helping girls get into college to anything really old and historical.  He knew stuff.
I do so appreciate Gary’s eulogy on behalf on my dad, Jack Pennington, at his funeral on April 13, 2016.  He rewrote his speech at the last hour and put it (and my dad) in a rich, historical context, focusing on his service in WWII.
We’ll, here’s a salute, to you, cousin!  God speed‼️   xoxoxo 
 

Dr. Winn led with integrity and compassion in his career. His guidance shaped the paths of so many safety professionals who are out in the world championing for what is good and right. His work will continue on as his legacy saving countless people who will never know the good person who helped us all stand as professionals to protect and value the lives of others each day. Wishing peace and comfort to his family.

To Dr. Winn’s family, I share my deepest sympathy. I’m sorry I could not be there with you to share in his memory and celebration of a life well-lived.

Dr. Winn was my Honors Engineering 101 professor in 2003 and he taught me more than the engineering fundamentals. He helped me gain confidence as an innovator and to start getting comfortable with failure so that I would be ready to try again. 

Dr. Winn also is the reason I chose aerospace engineering - one of my most profound and impactful interactions at WVU. I remember walking into his office as a first semester freshman with a cloud over my head, unable to decide my engineering major as the semester was ending. I had tears welling up in my eyes as I told him that I believed others thought I should go into chemical engineering (which may not have been true but I thought it was at the time) and aerospace would be a riskier endeavor. 

Dr. Winn said, “What are you excited about?” He happened to have a picture of the space shutttle in his office, and with my tears flowing at this point, I shakily pointed at the picture and said, “That.” And he simply said, “Then go do that. Go be great at it.”  It was a Friday, so then he told me to go have fun this weekend because now I knew what I was going to do.

And that was it. I walked out and I became an aerospace engineer. It seems so simple, but it was exactly what I needed in that moment and he knew it - I needed permission. Over the years he has been a mentor and friend. What a generous, absolutely wonderful man. Dr. Winn, you will be greatly missed. I only hope I can make you proud by being the best I can be and paying it forward like you did for so many of us. 💙💛

Kerri Phillips

Q: How would you describe Dr. Gary to someone who had never met them?
            
            A: Dr Winn is a mentor who will go out of his way to ensure his mentee becomes great.
Placing his student in the path of success is always his vision. 
We will miss your mentorship 


As a group of safety professionals and Alumni of WVU Safety Management program, Dr. Gary Winn to us was a symbol of a father, a coach, and a mentor. When we came together in a meeting to share our story, there was only one conclusion: without Dr. Winn, we wouldn’t be doing what we’re doing or be where we are today. Different stories, same impact. His leadership and passion for excellence are second to none. In every encounter we had, it was all about how to get you there, whatever that meant to us as individuals - your next internship, your next job, your next tuition waiver, your next graduation, your next leadership conference. The list is endless. Even though we’re sad we would no longer be able to call or write you to brag about how well your investment in us is paying off, we’re comforted by the fact that you lived a truly impactful and meaningful life. We will dearly miss you, Dr. Winn (..…sobbing and a long pause) but you will remain evergreen in our hearts. - SafetyNest

Remembering Gary
Circumstances thrust me into leadership at the AMA long before I was qualified or ready.  One of my tasks was to rebuild a staff that had been decimated by poor decisions and bad financial management.  

This created a dilemma.  Did I look for dedicated bikers and hope they could learn the business skills to function within the organization?  Or did I look for people with the right skills, education, and experience and hope we could teach them to love motorcycles?  What other choice did I have, because unicorns do not exist . . . or so I thought.

My office looked out on our “motorcycles only” parking area, and one morning a rider aboard a Moto Guzzi rolled in, dismounted, and came in the building.  I paid little attention because it was not unusual for touring members to drop by the AMA to see what their dues were paying for.

Moments later, the receptionist buzzed to inform me my interview had arrived.  She brought Gary Winn back to my office.  He was wearing well-used road leathers, but by now his jacked was unzipped, and I noted he was wearing a white dress shirt and necktie.  He had come to interview in response to a job posting in our government relations department.

I was immediately intrigued that he had ridden to the interview, but even more so when I learned that he had ridden from Austin, Texas to Columbus, Ohio; a distance of more than 1,200 miles!  Gary had just finished a Masters Degree at the University of Texas, and as the interview progressed, I realized I had found a unicorn! 

Of course, we hired him, and later I relocated to the government relations department to work directly with him.  Gary had an enthusiasm for the mob, more than adequate education and experience, and a quick wit and delightful, almost Shakespearean attitude toward the English language.  He would invent words and drop puns that functioned on four levels at a time.  He was an intellectual who was very serious about his work, but who never took himself seriously.  There was always laughing when Gary was in the room.
Gary and I developed a relationship outside the job that was often the source of a lot of joy and amusement.  We spent Saturdays cutting firewood, and there was that time we destroyed his neighbor’s prize walnut tree because we were too stupid to know better.

He finished his PhD while working at the AMA, and when he informed us he was moving on to academia, I was angry.  I thought it was a mistake. I just couldn’t picture Gary functioning elsewhere, but unicorns have a vision that we mortals don’t often share. 

But a few years later, Gary circled back to help the AMA develop an effective and thriving vintage motorcycle racing program.  Previously, this program had been a pain in my neck, and it would become a pain in my neck again after Gary moved on.

We continued our relationship over the years, though contact was less frequent because of the geographical distance between us.  But only a couple of months ago I had a long conversation with Gary because I needed to learn more about the Expert Witness profession.  This kind of interaction helped me understand that Gary was far too curious to spend his life at a single job, and I now understood why his leaving the AMA was what he had to do.
Over the years, we created an impressive team of unicorns: Mederski, Harrison, Wood, Amick, Rasor, Wirwahn, Barlag, Covucci, and more.  Now I have gotten myself into that embarrassing situation of naming some, but not others; but there were others.  I apologize for this, but the point I want to make is that Gary was the prototype.  The first unicorn.  He arrived in a necktie and leathers to show me the possibilities, and for the remainder of his life he continued to show me the possibilities.

When I got a call on the morning of January 10th to learn that Gary had died, it was like his resignation from the AMA, only worse.  I thought, “You can’t do this!  It is not yet time!  You have not yet completed everything you are capable of doing here!”

I am still trying to process this loss.


Ed Youngblood
January 15, 2023

My heartfelt condolences to the Winn family. 
He was a very great teacher and made me fall in love with the safety profession. 

I pray God gives the family the fortitude to bare this irreparable loss. 

Q: What will you miss most about Dr. Gary?
            
            A: "I am so grateful for been able to have Dr. Winn as my professor and a mentor to the end. Just knowing him made one a better person. I will miss him dearly." 

Months into his retirement, he came back to hood me for my PhD (I assume I am the last he hooded). I remember him saying, "Tunde, I am retiring, I can't leave you behind, common man let's graduate". I am blessed to have met such a great man!

He was my professor and advisor in college- and even after. A truly wonderful man! I admired his whit and intellect. May he rest in peace. My thought and prayers for his family and friends.

Q: What 3 words best describe Dr. Gary and why?
            
            A: Professor of life, Mentor for life, and Friend of so many.  Dr. Winn was always amazing to talk with, work with and was available for advice on any topic you needed.  Dr. Winn had an ability to see greatness in students that the student couldn’t see. I’m so glad and will never forget him taken a chance on a lost college kid looking for a path. Dr. Winn gave me my start in the safety program at WVU when many others may of passed. Dr. Winn changed the lives of many and by doing so has had an unmeasurable impact on individuals across the world.  Rest In Peace my Professor, Mentor, and Friend.

Dr. Winn was a great teacher and mentor for all that pursued Safety Management. I unfortunately did not pursue that career but did get my degree from that program. Dr. Winn helped a few of us graduate earlier by taking some Saturday courses with him in Wheeling. We carpooled up together to join in him there - even told us about a shortcut to bypass Washington that went right by his house. He was a very gifted teacher. Always there for his students - He will surely be missed! Will be praying for his wife and his family in the time of loss and grief - as well for the many Safety professionals out there that were touched by his leadership.

Dr. Winn was my advisor 20 years ago when I was one of his students. Even after graduating, he was always there for assistance or just good conversation. He will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to the Winn family.

My thoughts and prayers goes out to the family of a great man, professor, leader and mentor. Please accept my condolences!

Dr. Winn as we popularly called him by us student that has been privileged to have a relationship, connection and encounter with him over the years in one way or another was a great man, leader and mentor in his field. He inspired us in some many ways through his vast experience on how to navigate our professional careers and make an impact when and  where it really matters! He was one of my favorite professors during my time in WVU, served on my PhD committee and has contributed a great quota that I cannot even begin to mention here. 

May his soul rest in peace! 🕊️


Gary was a wonderful, generous, and inspiring man, friend, and mentor. He is dearly missed and we still can not believe he has passed.  

He made me and my family feel incredibly welcome and ALWAYS took the time to help me in the new role in a new country and academic system. Gary had a special quality that is very rare, he can connect with people on so many levels. His passion for motorcycles for example, it turns out he and my father ‘ran in the same circles’ back in the day - though on different continents, they were passionate about the same bikes - and even went to ride together, with Gary showing my dad the area (even though they spend more time talking than riding in the end). Gary and Ava invited us, and by us I mean my wife Irene, and kids, but also my parents Peter and Toni as well as Irene’s parents and Aunt, Gabi, Tere, and Lola to their home, shared their self made wine and the beautiful view of the farm including lightning bugs and chipmunks. 

I will cherish the countless memories with Gary. Three I want to share here: 
- He had a Tesco White autograph in the office, and when I asked about it, I not only learned about the dancing hillbilly but about the WV mine wars and the history of glass manufacturing in WV and PA and before we knew, 2+ hours had passed.
- After my first semester, he ‘saved’ me when I just could not compute the question of a student at my door after the final exam was done and grades compiled (a few days after) how he/she could achieve a certain grade and what extra credit was available. He took me aside and explained what to expect and how to navigate such situations respectfully but firmly. 
- Gary has a ton of toys (for big boys). He invited us to his farm to help with setting a large pipe in a stream on his property. However, he didn’t need our help, he was much more capable of driving his excavator than any of us - he invited us because he KNEW we would enjoy it and have fun. It probably took much longer and the quality of the work was not as good as it would have been if Gary had done it himself. But that again shows what kind of man Gary was, putting others first and enjoying the ability to put a smile on someones face! 

Rest in Peace my friend, you are missed!

Thor, Irene, Dom, and Sofie Wuest; Peter and Toni Wuest; Gabi and Tere Ramirez

I am privileged to have Dr Winn as a mentor and the Chairman of my Research committee. So many life lessons that has propelled me thus far were a direct impact of his large heart. "Pay it forward" he would say. Enjoy your rest sir! I pray Strength for the family.

I can say that Gary helped me get into vintage racing and was an assist as we started our states motorcycle safety education program.  He even put me and a fellow vintage racer/AMA congressman/promoter up on his floor.  Good guy, will be missed.

Gary, 
Was my teacher and a mentor.  I was his student in the Safery Program and happy to say that he had common sense and wanted people to succeed. I consider him an influence on my life and where I ended up.
Mark Bowe
Barnwood Builders

I'll miss "gearhead" conversations with Gary, already do. We met in 1982 at the American Motorcyclist Association, had been in the same 24 hour endurance road race event 10 years earlier, but did not realize it. Though Gary was a scholar and a great teacher, an inspiration, he was a good motorcycle tech and an enthusiast for vintage motorcycles and cars, tractors, too. Very important, while Gary had a lot of information to give, he also wanted to know my thoughts, my concerns, my enthusiasm on a given topic. Gary, you are gone from our lives way too soon.

So so sorry to hear this news. Dr. Winn was my PhD advisor at WVU. He was one of my favorite professors and just a really great guy to be around. Prayers of comfort to the entire family.  -Jim Harris

Great Memory of the Focus 4 event for many of us Dec. 2006. Just one example of how Dr. Winn connected with his students. 

Q: How did you meet Dr. Gary?
            
            A: He was my professor at West Virginia University during my Graduate School. He was a really kind man, always gives best advices. 

We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Milliken and Throckmorton - Waynesburg

We will miss “uncle” Gary terribly…. He was always such a fun guy to visit with, especially at family reunions. He had the best (and most honest) stories of growing up with his cousins. 

So sorry for the loss. I worked with Dr. Winn at WVU.  Prayers for comfort and strength.

We were neighbors and good friends to Gary when he lived in Marengo Ohio. Lots of great memories. He was awesome with our two kids growing up. My son especially with the motorcycles! You will be missed by many. Prayers to the family.

Such a great guy and a gem of a person. Always looked forward to seeing him at the family reunion and hearing his stories and getting a bit of his wisdom. And his farm is where the reboot of the reunion got its start! I wish peace and strength to his loved ones in this time of sudden transition.

OBITUARY

Gary Lee Winn

January 21, 1949 – January 10, 2023

Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home Inc.

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services