Obituary of Darren Scott Winger

It is with deep sorrow that we share that our beloved Darren, adored husband of Lori Newton and second dad to “the boys,” Oliver, Andrew and Jeremy, left our world suddenly on October 21, 2025. Darren also leaves his brother, Kim Winger (and Gisele), and sister, Jill Monforton. He is predeceased by his parents Donald and Lois Winger.

While Darren’s public achievements, countless awards and community service are legend, he deeply loved his family, his friends, his cats and his dogs. He was proud of his boys and their accomplishments and was deeply devoted to his wife — sharing her achievements for cycling with pride. He loved to cycle and was deeply rooted in his community. His impact on the city and the region through a lifetime of volunteering and an almost 25 year career with the Ontario Government, was immeasurable. A Windsor boy with vision and heart, Darren believed Ontario could always be better — a place to live fully, to love deeply, and to celebrate through tourism, culture, and sport. He was a builder of bridges, a believer in people, a champion of teamwork, creativity, and innovation. From Windsor to Toronto, and every community in between, his energy, insight, and optimism helped shape sustainable growth and belonging. He made those around him feel valued and capable —because he truly saw the best in everyone.<br>

He volunteered for countless organizations including, the Children’s Safety Village, Sho Studios and Bike Windsor Essex where he loved running children’s bike safety programs and bicycle valets across the region. He was inducted into the Festival and Events Ontario Hall of Fame for nearly two decades of his contributions to Ontario’s festival and events, was the Founding Chair of the Canada South Festival Network and Co-Chaired the International Dragon Boat Festival.

A decades long Rotarian, Darren was a Paul Harris Fellow and served as President of the Windsor-Roseland club twice. His impact through his Rotary projects was extensive, and included the creation of a neo-natal care unit in rural Argentina that provides women and their babies access to healthcare.

He hosted and counselled many international youth exchange students and stayed in touch with them long after they returned home especially Juan, Christian and Ludivine. His most recent project was a campaign to encourage residents in Walkerville to have trees planted in the city right-of-way.

Though his passing was sudden, Darren’s spirit continues in the projects he began, in the people he inspired, and in the communities he helped flourish. His legacy is one of kindness, dedication, and joy—a true Ontario Government GEM and a cherished friend to all who had the privilege to work beside him. Darren had a passion for planting trees and caring for the environment. Should you wish, donations in his honour may be made to the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
 

A Celebration of Darren’s life will take place on Friday, November 14 at Sho Studios at 628 Monmouth Road in Walkerville beginning at 5pm.