In Loving Memory
Presgrave Edward Winter
(July 7, 1941 – February 27, 2026)
Pres passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, on February 27, 2026, at his home in Metchosin, BC. Born in Lacombe, Alberta, on July 7, 1941, Pres was the eldest child of Helen and Lawrence Winter. The family moved to Edmonton when he was six years old. Pres graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in Pharmacy in 1964 and married Patricia Knechtel in 1965, sharing 60 wonderful years of marriage. In 1969, they moved from Calgary to Viking, where they purchased Crossroads IDA Pharmacy, which Pres managed for 30 years. Together, Pres and Patricia raised six children: Sheila, Steven, Cory, David, Jennifer, and Teresa.
Pres was deeply involved in his community. Over the years he contributed his time and leadership to the Knights of Columbus, the Senior Citizens Club, the Men’s Prayer Group, the Viking Ministerial Association, Mission to Many, and the Viking Lions Club. He was also a dedicated member of the Roman Catholic Church in Viking.
A passionate birder from his teenage years, Pres carried a lifelong love of nature. He enjoyed many hobbies and activities, including gardening, beekeeping, raising sheep, fishing, camping, travelling, golfing, ice curling, floor curling, and tending his bluebird trail. His remarkable 45-year commitment to the trail – during which he banded 45,000 bluebirds – earned him a well-deserved Alberta Emerald Foundation lifetime achievement award. He also gratefully received an OTIS award from Battle River Watershed Alliance.
Pres will be deeply missed by his wife, Patricia; his children Sheila (Kevin), Cory (Monthita), David (Any), Jennifer, and Teresa. (Dave); his grandchildren Michael, Steph (Jeff), Jonny, Chan (Shayla), Ana Laura (Patrick), Daniel, Karen, Kent, Cyrus, and Nina; and his great-grandson, Macklin,and foster children Marie and Dolores. He is also survived by his siblings Bill (Rose) Winter and Janet (Gary) Hawkey, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.
Pres was predeceased by his son Steven; grandson Rio; son-in-law Nanny Cogorno; brother-in-law John Knechtel; sister-in-law Nancy Knechtel; and his parents, Helen and Lawrence Winter.
A funeral mass will be celebrated for Pres on August 1, 2026 at 11a.m. at Holy Heart of Mary Church in Viking, Alberta.
