John Winter, 1938-2025

My neighbor John Kools Winter, Jr. passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of June 13, 2025, at his home in Park City, Utah. He was 86. He was born in Holland, Michigan and graduated from the University of Illinois School of Architecture. Although trained as an architect, his career ultimately led him to the financial world, where he worked as a floor broker, commodities and trader. 

John loved both the mountains and golf, but skiing was his true passion. Vail was is early stomping ground, but when he moved to Park City, 17 years ago, nearby Alta ski resort held a special place in his heart as he used to commute from Park City each day (a one-hour commute), and he often shared vivid stories from his early ski days in Vail, Colorado, during the 1970s. Remarkably, he continued skiing until the age of 83. 

I first met him in 2011 and he told me about his passion for skiing and it wasn’t until February 2017—when he was 78—that I truly understood his remarkable spirit on the slopes. That day at Park City Mountain, we carved our way down Portuguese Gap at Jupiter Peak, one of the resort’s most challenging runs. John skied it with the grace and grit of a man half his age, and together we had fun skiing 10,844 vertical feet that day! 

John left us with his wife Cathy and daughter Alice by his side and after his passing the Alta flag flew over his house. Over the years, Evelyne and I cherished our frequent talks with John, often stopping by his home to hear his endless trove of hilarious ski tales—each one delivered with his signature wit and twinkle in his eye. 

While we’ll miss him deeply, his stories, his laughter, and his love for the mountains will stay with us forever.