Richard I. R. Winter

B.Com, LLB, MBA, K.C.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the peaceful passing of Richard I. R. Winter, K.C., of Oakville, ON on January 28, 2026. Richard is survived by his wife of almost 60 years Patricia, his daughter Victoria (Curt Harnett), son Andrew, and granddaughters Alyssa, Olivia, Aspen and Ana.

Richard was born in Walkerton, ON as the fifth child of William and Ellen Winter. Twenty-seven years younger than his eldest brother, he was a surprise to say the least. He is predeceased by his parents, his siblings Lennox, Garfield, Crawford and Nelva, his niece Carol Winter and his nephew Bill Winter.

Walkerton played an important role in making Richard the man he became. Richard’s father worked his whole career for Truax Sash and Door, while also becoming involved in local politics and eventually being elected mayor. His father served overseas in WWI and his three brothers in WWII. It was the principal of the Walkerton District High School, Cyril F. Washington, who encouraged the students to broaden their horizons and, where possible, pursue post-secondary education. The school permitted Richard to miss the last few weeks of school each year so that he could travel west to work at Banff Springs Golf Club. Over eight years he earned and saved enough to cover his university expenses and became the first person in his family to attend university. It was during this time at Banff that Richard met Patricia (nee Hamilton) whom he married in 1966.

Although Richard started at University of Toronto in theology, he quickly decided that commerce was more in line with his interests. Richard was the gold medalist in Commerce and Finance, graduated with honours from the Law School at University of Toronto, was called to the Bar in 1966, and, while starting his law career, completed his MBA in the evenings at York University.

While attending law school, Richard was one of the first cohorts of graduate students to reside in the new Massey College where Robertson Davies was the First Master. Richard became a life-long friend of Professor Davies. After graduation Richard was elected and remained a Senior Fellow and member of the governing Corporation of Massey College. Richard continued his affiliation with University of Toronto as a part-time lecturer for over fifteen years in the Department of Political Economy where he taught a course called: “an introduction to law”.

In 1968 Richard and David Beard joined the future Mr. Justice Douglas Carruthers to practice at a firm which is now known as Beard Winter LLP. Richard remained a partner of Beard Winter until his retirement in 2017. He was the managing partner from 1969 to 1989. Throughout his long career, Richard helped shape the culture and values of the firm, and was instrumental in developing the careers of many lawyers. His contributions extended beyond the practice of law, leaving a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of working with him.

Outside of the law, Richard was always open to adventure. In 1974, he implemented a sabbatical program at the firm, and moved his family to a small mountain top village just outside of Nice, France for one year. While there he was a member of the volunteer fire department where his job was to carry the wine for the crew as they fought forest fires on the mountain. On their return to Canada, Richard and Patti purchased a 245 acre farm property, La Sablière, just outside of Walkerton. He loved his weekends working on the farm – with lots of help from his wonderfully patient neighbours.

As Richard neared retirement, La Sablière was sold and he and Patti embarked on many years of travel. This included cruises along the east side of Africa, the tip of South America, east Asia and Australia, and a family trip to France to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. For six years, they also rented a cottage in the Cotswolds in England and enjoyed English country life, including as members of the Minchinhampton Golf Club.

During all of their adventures, Oakville remained their home base with long time affiliations with both the Oakville Golf Club and, primarily through Patti, the Oakville Curling Club. Richard served as a director on the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital Board for twelve years acting as Chairman of the Finance Committee and Vice-Chairman of the Board.

Richard was very proud of his small town upbringing and the principles of life-long learning, hard work and empathy that it instilled in him. He will be greatly missed, but we are grateful to have been left with countless memories of a remarkable man.

A funeral will be held on Wednesday February 18, 2026 at 2pm at St. Jude’s Anglican Church at 160 William Street, Oakville, Ontario, with a reception to follow at the Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oakville Hospital Foundation.