Denis Winder Obituary

Denis "Skip" / "Doc" Winder grew up in Akron, Ohio, graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1961, and attended Medical School at Ohio State University, graduating in 1965. After medical school Skip studied at various institutions on his way to his specialty, Plastic Surgery. All the while, he kept moving west until he came to Durango. He once said he liked the climate, the easy manners, and the openness of the long-time residents. Skip opened his SurgiCenter in Durango where he operated an outpatient clinic for many years until the recession of 2008, at which time patients had to put off elective surgery and the clinic closed. He continued to serve at Mercy Hospital in General Surgery until his retirement. Skip found a second less stressful and entertaining career working at the Durango Walmart as a greeter. He greatly enjoyed seeing former patients who all called him "Doc" and often stopped to talk and revisit old times. He thoroughly enjoyed his co-workers who teased him and also respected him. He had an abiding love for both jazz and classical music and played both piano and violin. He also "messed around" on guitar, mandolin, and banjo. He was ready to argue musical merits with anyone who would sit still. "Doc" Winder leaves family members sister, Daphne Winder John of Florence, Or., nephews Chris John of Florence, Or., and Scott John of Three Rivers, CA, and niece Carmen John of Taos, NM. We all will miss him greatly.

A Memorial Service will be held at Hood Mortuary Chapel at 10:00am May 13, 2023