Richard “Rick” Lendall Winter June 18, 1943 ~ April 4, 2021 (age 77)

Obituary

A Celebration of Life Service honoring Richard “Rick” Lendall WInter, 77 of Portales, NM will be held Saturday April 17, 2021 at 11am at First Baptist Church 100 S Ave C Portales, NM.

Rick was born to Patricia (Coston) and Edward R. Poole in Los Angeles, California on June 18, 1943. He was later adopted by his step-father, George Winter. Rick died peacefully in his sleep on April 4, 2021. He graduated from Downey High School in 1961 and served briefly in the US Air Force. In 1964, Rick married Sharon Ulm. They had 2 children and divorced in 1980. He married Melody Guest in 1984. They divorced in 1993.

In his 20’s, Rick worked for Ador Hilite Glass while running his own pool cleaning service. Later, he worked as an Asphalt Paving Estimator for 2 large companies in Southern California. In 1997 Rick moved to Portales, NM to be near his daughter and her family. He held various jobs there until he retired in 2008.

Rick enjoyed racing dragsters and going to the beach as a young man. He was an avid sports fan and an armchair referee. He loved to watch and play golf. Dad could almost always be found wearing a cap representing one of his favorite team’s like, the NY Jets, LA Lakers, Los Angeles Angels or Dodgers, as well as UCLA and USC college teams. He had friends of all ages, earning him the nickname “old but cool,” from his daughter. Rick had a huge heart and loved to help or do for others. He was known in his retirement community as a good friend. He would retrieve friend’s mail, take them to appointments, share meals, help them through tough times, and pick up little gifts for his many friends at Golden Acres. He loved the beach, sunsets, good music turned up loud, and Chevy trucks. He enjoyed decorating his apartment and dressing up his yard with flowers and lights. RIck was incredibly proud of his daughter, Jori and would talk and brag about her to anyone who would listen.

Mr. Winter was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Eddie Poole of Seattle WA. He  is survived by a son, Rick Winter (Wendy,) Novato, CA, his daughter, Jori (Corry) Gramzow, of Portales NM, 7 Grandchildren; Brock and Kyle Winter of Novato CA, Andrew (Betty,) Xavier, Haileah, Gracie and Brelyn Gramzow,and 2 great granddaughters, Teagan Rose and Sagelynn Mae Gramzow, all of Portales. He is also survived by his step-mother, Gloria Christopher of Seattle WA, as well as many friends.

The family would like to thank St Anthony Healthcare in Clovis, NM for treating Dad with the respect and dignity he deserved, and for allowing him to walk with the use of his walker rather than being confined to a wheelchair. Also, a huge thank you to Compassus Hospice who helped make Dad’s transition to heaven a peaceful, pain-free, and dignified one.