Drake Alan Winter

Drake Winter, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully after a brief but courageous battle with gallbladder cancer. He was 58 years old.

Born on April 27, 1966, in Portland, Oregon, Drake was a man of many talents and deep passions. From a young age, he learned the value of hard work, starting in junior high when he began working alongside his brothers in the family’s car stereo shop. This early experience shaped his character and laid the foundation for a lifelong love of family and all things automotive. Drake had a remarkable ability to see the potential in things that others might overlook, especially when it came to vehicles. Drake had an innate gift for bringing life back to rundown cars and his love for anything with a motor became a defining feature of his life. His talent for restoring automobiles and building sand cars was matched only by his enthusiasm for sharing these passions with others. Over the years, he built not just vehicles but also countless friendships through his work.

Drake recently retired from a long and dedicated career with the Union Pacific Railroad. His time there was marked by hard work, integrity, and the kind of camaraderie that led to lifelong friendships. Whether at work or at play, Drake’s presence was magnetic. He had a quick sense of humor, and his one-liners were legendary, always lighting up the room with laughter.

More than anything, Drake loved his family fiercely. He shared an extraordinary love with his wife, Dawn Kristine Winter, affectionately known as Kris. Together, they created a life full of love, adventure, and unwavering support. Their favorite times were spent at the desert, the sand dunes, and the lake, where they made countless memories together. There was never a word left unspoken between them, and their love story was one of mutual respect, deep connection, and unending devotion. While it’s often said that behind every great man is a great woman, those who knew Drake would say that behind his great woman was an amazing man who supported and cherished her with all his heart. His favorite advice to share with couples was encouraging them to never stop holding hands, a simple yet profound reminder of the power of love and unity. 

Drake’s love and enthusiasm for life lives on with his children and extended children: Chance (Tayler), Seth, and Londyn (Daniel), and his niece Alyssa, with (Kyle) whom he shared his passions with. Whether it was working on cars with his boys or being the unsung hero who towed Londyn’s horse trailer to her pony shows, Drake was always there, quietly supporting his family. His children all inherited his eyebrows, but perhaps more definingly, they carry on a legacy of cheering and supporting one another through the highs and lows, just like their dad did for them. Drake always made the young people in his life feel as if they were the most important person in the room. Drake would do anything to help, assist, mentor and guide. If your car broke down, you had a flat tire, or you were in trouble with the law, Drake would be available to bail you out. He served without judgment; just happy he could lift another’s burden and provide support. Everyone has a story where Drake came to help or rescue them that reflected his unwavering generosity and the joy he took in helping others. 

His role as “Papa” brought Drake immense joy, and he cherished every moment with his grandbabies. Their laughter and presence were the highlights of his life, and he took great pride in being a loving and devoted grandfather. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Dawn Kristine Winter; his son, Chance Michael Bailey (Tayler Holmes), son, Seth Boyd Winter; his favorite daughter, Londyn Kristine Winter (Daniel Perry); his niece, Alyssa Kimberly Wooten (Kyle Wooten); his grandson, Jeriko Dmitrii Bailey; granddaughter, August Chance Bailey; grand-nieces, Willow Arielle K. Wooten and Wynslie Taylor Wooten; his brothers, John Winter (Anne Winter) and Joe Winter (Shelly Winter). He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Sylvia Winter, and his brother, Gordon Winter. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at West Haven Park, 2850 West 3300 South, West Haven from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers or gifts, we are grateful for contributions to help make this event a meaningful tribute to Drake.  http://evite.me/ChFGUS29yJ