Gary Wayne Winward

Obituary for Gary Wayne Winward Dec 3, 1950 ~ June 16, 2021 I was born on Dec. 3, 1950 in Salt Lake City, Utah. My parents are William Dee Winward and Dagmar Esther Retzlaff, the best parents a person could ever have. I am the oldest of three, with younger sisters Linda Jean and Laura Ann. I was a good brother growing up and loved to tease, but never in a hurtful way. I had a ready laugh and was always good at turning a pun. I was raised in Salt Lake County, Utah and attended several elementary and Junior High schools as Granite District struggled to accommodate the peak of the baby boomer generation. I graduated from Bonneville Junior High and Olympus High School. I enjoyed sports, especially Track & Field, Shot Put, and Football. I lettered in Football as a tackle for Olympus High School and later attended the University of Utah on a football scholarship. While at the University of Utah, I met my future wife, Laurel Julia Baptiste (later divorced). We had three children, Nathan William, Heather Lynn, and Jared Wayne. I joined the United States Army during the last of the Vietnam War era, serving 7 years stateside and in Hawaii. Following my Army service, I returned to Salt Lake City to be around family and completed a Computer Science degree at the University of Utah. Following a move to Illinois, I married Zineth Winward (later divorced). I have two sons, Luke W. and Glen W. who were a joy to my life. You were both there, along with my sister Laura, surrounding me with love and comfort as I peacefully passed from this life. Family always topped the list of favorites for me. Family time, parties and reunions were the best! Thank you all for the memorable times. You all added love, laughter and happiness to my life over the years. I want to send my love and gratitude to all who touched my life and added so much love and joy. Thank you to staff and friends at Virginia Veteran’s Care Center where I spent the last years of life and to the ICU Unit doctors, nurses and specialists at Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, Virginia. I was preceded in death by my parents, Bill and Dotty, my sister, Linda and my son Nathan. I am survived by my children Luke, Glen, Heather, Jared (Trisha-Ann), sister Laura (Dave), grandchildren Kyle and Taylor, and a host of extended family. Interment will be at South West Veteran’s Cemetery in Dublin, Virginia. Please share your memories and tributes with my family at www.mccoyfuneralhome.com Please remember me with love and laughter and not with sadness and tears!

Gary Wayne Winward

December 3, 1950 - June 16, 2021