Winkler, Earl Raye

Earl R. Winkler
March 11, 1938 - May 2, 2024
"One Of A Kind"

After a long decline with Alzheimer’s, Earl passed away peacefully on May 2 with his wife and daughter at his side.
Earl was predeceased by his parents, Luther and Beryntha Winkler of California, and his twin sister, Laurel Watt of Washington. Earl is survived by his wife Elizabeth, children Erick (Lauri), Paul (Katie) and Laurel (Eric); grandchildren, Quincy, Sabine and Violet; brother-in-law Gavin, and nieces, Megan and Bronwen.
Earl was born and raised in Southern California, served in the US Air Force after graduation, married Dorothy Kelty and cared for two young sons while attending graduate school in Boulder Colorado. After a year in Florida, he moved to Canada where he enjoyed a 30 year career teaching Philosophy at the University of British Columbia, commuting for 20 years from his home in Ocean Park, Surrey.
Earl will be remembered as an academic colleague, graduate supervisor, and full professor who revitalized the department introducing new classes in applied ethics. He published a number of articles and books and was frequently called on by the media to weigh in on ethical topics of the day, serving also on the BC Government’s special advisory committee on ethical issues in health care. He was awarded master teacher status and served as department head, shepherding the department through many changes, all while refusing to learn any computer skills, prior to retiring in 1999.
Earl was a unique, intelligent, charming, multi-talented and adventuresome man. He was an excellent mechanic, working at Temple City Auto Service in his student days and learning aircraft maintenance in the Air Force. In the 1980’s he spent many hours in his home garage rebuilding the engine of his 1969 Porsche 911T.
Earl loved road trips and travelled extensively with Elizabeth and friends in Europe, Central America, Canada and the USA. He loved the American West, taking in the history of the first nations people, (proudly 1/16 Cherokee), pioneers and trail blazers, obscure cowboys and famous artists. He was a gifted photographer, a perfect hobby for the backroads and blue highways he loved.
After retiring, Elizabeth and Earl had a new home built on the White Rock hillside. He helped where he could by applying his handyman skills and attention to detail. He returned to an early love of art, producing many fine oil paintings, and, in later years, passed his time listening to music and watching movies from his extensive DVD collection.
Earl was a loyal husband, father and friend. He enjoyed lifelong relationships with friends from all phases of his life. He loved his wife and family and was very proud of each of them. He did wish his sons lived closer so he could have been a bigger part of their lives. He was eager to settle into family life when he married Elizabeth in 1977 and quickly adopted Laurel as his own.
Earl was also strong (known as the Ox) and resilient. He survived a 750 foot fall from Mt. Baldy in his youth and became a statistical outlier, living 14 years following a cancer diagnosis with a 3 month prognosis back in 2007.
Earl will also be remembered for his baritone voice, melancholic singing and great storytelling. He could be counted on to regale friends and family with his adventures, never letting facts get in the way of a good story.
The family is grateful for the excellent care Earl received in his final year at the Evergreen Care Home in White Rock.
Earl’s life will be celebrated at a Graveside Service at Heritage Garden’s Cemetery, 19082 16th Avenue in Surrey at 1:00 pm on May 31, 2024. Reception to follow from 2:30 - 4:30 pm at the White Rock family home he loved.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or to inspire an Aboriginal education bursary program.