Carl Owen Winters Jr

A life-long Arizonan, Carl was born to Julianne (nee Fisher) and Carl O. Winters in Flagstaff, Arizona on May 15, 1943.  His father was fighting in World War II, so Carl was three years old before father and son met.  The family lived a short time in Clarkdale, Arizona before moving to Yuma.  After graduating from Yuma High School, Carl returned to Flagstaff to attend Northern Arizona University, then known as Arizona State College.

He spread his wings in college, studying to be a history teacher, joining the Sigma Nu fraternity, and frequently winning the weekly drawing for a free bottle of liquor from Ruff’s, where his roommate worked and directed the drawing.  During his senior year, Carl asked classmate, Barbara Dirst, to a dance in the women’s gym.  They continued dating, became engaged, and married in June 1966.

The young couple taught for two years at Ajo High School, where they formed lifelong friendships.  Some of these young educators reconnected decades later for their monthly Ajo Lunch Group at the Golden Corral in Tucson.  They weren’t new teachers anymore but good old friends who enjoyed reminiscing together.

Carl and Barbara left Ajo so he could complete his master’s degree in urban planning at the University of Arizona.  Starting as an intern for the City of Tucson, Carl worked for many years in the departments of urban renewal and city planning.  He left the city to work for several local firms before starting his own business.  His daughter, now in the same industry, encounters Carl’s former colleagues, who remember him as a generous mentor and dedicated professional committed to the betterment of communities and neighborhoods throughout Arizona.  He worked closely with the Town of Marana to establish its zoning codes and proudly served on the board of directors of the Marana Health Clinic.

Carl and Barbara raised two daughters, Susan and Karen.  He gave his girls unconditional love and support and was a wonderful, adored father.  He is remembered as the perfect “girl dad,” never shying away from a shopping trip, band concert, or outdoor adventure.

Through 58 years of marriage, Carl and Barbara shared many wonderful experiences and raised a family that enjoyed spending time together.  Carl welcomed to the family sons-in-law, Karim Dada and Jeff Lyons, and grandson, Carson Dada.  They all enjoyed summer vacations, holiday celebrations, annual trips to Wink’s X-Diamond Ranch near Springerville, and fly fishing in Bozeman, Montana.

Barbara cared for Carl while he battled dementia during his last years.  Through many difficult moments the “old” Carl sometimes shone through.  His family treasured familiar eyebrow waggles, sweet chuckles and laughs, and friendly greetings of “hey there!”  He was a good man who lived his life with kindness, generosity and good humor.

Carl is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughters Susan (Jeff) Lyons, Karen (Karim) Dada; grandson, Carson Dada; brother Daniel (Christine) Winters; and sister-in-law Martha Castro.  He also loved his nephew, Ben, and his nieces, Jessica, Amy and Shannon.

Donations in Carl’s honor may be made to:

Alzheimer’s Association – https://alz.org/

Arizona Game and Fish Department Water for Wildlife – https://www.azwildlifehero.com/programs/lifesaving-water/

Hospice of the Valley – https://www.hov.org/