Harry Winkworth Obituary

Harry Howgate "Howie" Winkworth passed away peacefully on April 26, 2022, at age 80 after an adventurous and well-lived life.

Howie was born in Detroit and grew up in Dearborn, Michigan. He met his wife Peggy in high school. They were married in 1964 and were together for 58 years. After graduating from Dearborn High School, Howie attended the University of Colorado for one year, then returned to Michigan to graduate from Michigan State University. After college, Howie attended Midwestern University School of Medicine and became a Doctor of Osteopathy. His year in Colorado convinced him he wanted to live in the west, but first he took a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Providence Hospital in Southfield, MI. He was one of the first osteopathic doctors to complete an MD residency.

In 1973 Howie and Peggy moved with their young family, daughter Tracey and son Mark, to Albuquerque, NM, where Howie opened a medical practice in OB/GYN. After 17 years in Albuquerque, Howie & Peggy moved to San Jose, CA, where Howie worked for Kaiser Permanente before retiring to his favorite place, Durango, CO, where he and Peggy have lived for 24 years.

From a young age Howie knew that he wanted to see the world. He and Peggy travelled extensively, always looking to experience new places. His love of motorcycles was incorporated into many of his travels. Some of his favorite trips were motorcycle rides in the US, Europe, and beyond with good friends and family, taking Peggy along on the back of the bike. He was an avid skier for many years, and it was skiing that first drew him to Durango where the best memories were skiing at Purgatory with his kids as they grew up and then with his grandkids, Jessie and Matt. He loved golf, especially in his retirement. Many good times were spent on the golf course and afterwards with friends at Dalton Ranch Golf Club.

In addition to travel, skiing, and golf, Howie had a wide range of interests that he enjoyed discussing with whoever would listen! He explored the history, geography, and politics of the many places he travelled, and he was always reading, including the entire World Book Encyclopedia from cover to cover. He had a mind for remembering details and facts, which served him well with one of his other hobbies, attending trivia nights where he would often win prizes.

Howie had a twinkle in his eye, and many have said he was a unique person-"one of a kind." He passed along his wisdom of experiencing all that life has to offer to his children and his grandchildren. He was a well-rounded, fun and funny husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend. He is survived by his wife Peggy, daughter Tracey Schwarz (husband Jim) of Des Moines, Iowa, son Mark Winkworth (partner Becky James) of Durango, grandchildren, Jessie Schwarz of Des Moines and Matt Schwarz of Virginia Beach, VA, and a brother, Robert D. Winkworth III of Beverly Hills, MI. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Robert and Edwina Winkworth.

Per Howie's request, no services are planned. A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date.