Donald Ray Winston was born on March 4, 1955 in Seattle, Washington, to proud parents, Roy and Lois Louise Winston.
A big kid with an incredibly big heart and generous spirit, “Duck” was the proud and loving older brother of “Nee Cee” with whom he shared a very close bond.
“Truck,” as he was affectionately called by friends, attended Leschi and Columbia Elementary Schools, Asa Mercer Junior High, as well as Cleveland High School where he graduated from in 1973.
He continued his academic pursuits at Central Washington University before transferring to the University of Washington. The proud Husky and 1978 graduate earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications.
Winston had a warm smile, coupled with uncompromised integrity. His steadfast work ethic was present whether employed at Winston Movers, the family business; Pacific Northwest Bell; or Associated Grocers/SUPERVALU from where he was scheduled to retire on May 1, 2018, after a 38+ year career.
In 2000, Winston married his high school sweetheart Tonette Landry and reaped the pleasures of an expanded family and fatherhood. He and Tonette enjoyed working in the yard, walking their dogs, and riding bikes. Winston was proud of his son Matt Fields and held the title of dad in high esteem. He was particularly delighted with Matt’s Kansas City Royals AA Player of the Year accomplishment.
He also enjoyed a special relationship with his father-in-law Willie J. Landry, Jr. (“Dad”), and he derived immense joy from time spent with his four-legged sidekicks, “the boys” – Boo Boo and Scooter.
Just as “Uncle Donny” (also lovingly called that by those without the familial relationship) cherished spending time with family and a host of friends too numerous to count, he loved cars, sports, and hamburgers.
Winston was a car enthusiast known around the local car show circuit, and his passion ran so deep that it included annual travel to elite automotive events. He was already registered for this fall’s annual Vegas SEMA Show.
Cars were his passion, but to use his words, he “loved Corvettes.” If the sun was shining, you’d find him cruisin’ Alki in his immaculately cleaned, black “beast,” listening to his Old School music.
Winston was fiercely competitive, whether an active player, coach on the sidelines, ref on the court, umpire in the dirt, or fan in the stands. He loved to play basketball and softball, was a Lakers and Seahawks fan, and treasured all the agony and glory of March Madness and the NBA season.
When Winston was not at a car show, participating in sports, riding bikes, chillin’ at a BBQ, or hangin’ in the man cave, he was likely at Red Robin or Fatburger enjoying a juicy hamburger, or at Outback Steakhouse savoring a delicious steak.
A casual man, Winston was often in sweats or shorts, and he enjoyed listening to Earth, Wind & Fire, shopping at Bed Bath & Beyond, and watching The Price is Right on TV and a good movie at the theater.
The list of what he loved is extensive, but he had no tolerance for tardiness. You knew to simply be on time or get left behind!
Forever will be missed the laid back, fun-loving man with a heart of gold, an insatiable thirst for life, and a grin so wide that his eyes squinted.
Left to celebrate Winston’s incredible legacy is his wife Tonette Winston; son Matt Fields (Ellie); sister Denise Johnson; niece Deidre Johnson; nephews Nicholas Landry, Vincent Landry; father-in-law Willie J. Landry, Jr. (Diane); mother-in-law Gail Marino; brother-in-law Larry Landry, Ben Lawton (Susan Talley); sister-in-law Kari Curry (Steve); aunts Ethel Hollingsworth, Esther Ross, Anna Winston, Odis Winston; uncles Kion Ross, Willie Ross, Abe Winston, Elonzo Winston (Vallena), Howard Winston, Lemmie Winston (Ora), Robert Winston, Sam Winston. Also left to mourn his earthly departure is a multitude of other family and friends.
Winston was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Lois Winston, his niece Juleesa Johnson, and his uncle Willie Winston. We are honored to have them all watching over us as God’s angels.
