Edward H. Winslow

Edward (Ted) Winslow
July 22, 1923 - February 28, 2025
Edward (Ted) Winslow passed away peacefully at home at the age of 101 on February 28, 2025. He was born in Bozeman, Montana to parents Lawson T. Winslow and Charlotte Howard Winslow. The family moved to California in 1937 where Ted graduated from Santa Rosa High School and the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in Business Administration. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Ted served as a B-17 Aerial Gunner in World War II, retiring as a Colonel in the Air Force Reserve in 1979.
Ted met his wife Hazel (Suzy) Ruettinger in 1947 on Thanksgiving Day in Chico, California. They were married the following year and made their home in Pleasant Hill, California. There they raised their four children and built a life filled with friendships and a love for their community.
Ted started his own insurance business and became active in the Pleasant Hill Community as a founding charter member of the Pleasant Hill Lions Club and Pleasant Hill Community Foundation. His leadership extended to serving as an active member of both the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce and Friends of Rodgers Ranch. He was also a charter member of the Hillcrest Congregational Church.
Ted's involvement with the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District began in the early 1950s when he led the fundraising efforts to establish the first community park in 1951 which is now known as Pleasant Hill Park. Appointed to the Board of Directors in 1954, he served for 11 years before stepping into the role of General Manager. Under his leadership, the District grew from a 4.5-acre park to over 275 acres, including 12 parks and open space. Ted retired from the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District in 1987 and in 1991 the District honored his legacy by dedicating the Winslow Center in his name.
Following his retirement, Ted's zeal for life continued. He and Suzy became avid golfers as members of the Contra Costa Country Club and together they traveled to play numerous golf courses throughout the world. Ted's passion for community involvement continued until the age of 91 at which time he and Suzy moved to a retirement community.
Ted is survived by his wife of 76 years, Suzy, daughters Terry Roudebush (Ed), Wendy Otvos (Mike), Stacey Cushing (Chet), son Scott Winslow, grandchildren Jonathan (Kristin), David (Maddi), Jennifer (Chris), Kevin, great grandchildren Tuesday, Emmi, Kenzie, Jolie, Hallie, and Cruz, and his brothers Tracy and John.
Ted will be fondly remembered for his leadership, warmth, humor, enthusiasm, and his loyal devotion to his family and friends.