Chris G. VanWinkle

1929 - 2016

Christian Van Winkle passed away quietly, surrounded by his family, at his home in Morro Bay, CA on January 23, 2016. Chris was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in August of 1929. He grew up in Toronto. He attended the Ontario College of Art and his first instruction in painting was in oils.

He married Caroline Dilworth in 1954 and they celebrated their 61st anniversary in December, 2015. Two sons, Gary and Michael, were born in Toronto. In 1959 the family moved to Covina, California and soon more sons arrived: Christopher, Joseph and Ted. Chris established the VanArt commercial art service in Covina and continued to paint fine art in oil when he could find the time.

Chris was an avid golfer and his sons and grandsons joined him on the course. He enjoyed golf trips with them to England, Scotland and Ireland. He golfed with the Santa Anita Golf Club in southern California for many years, The family moved to Morro Bay in 2003 and Chris became an active member in the Morro Bay Golf Club.

Chris discovered watercolor in the 70's, studying with Robert Hallett at Citrus College in Glendora. He admired Hallett's approach to the watercolor media: learn all the basic skills and techniques and then develop your own style and interpretation. On his own webpage, Chris stated: "All art is abstract. The minute we use line, we are abstracting. Some art is more realistic, some more non-objective, but all art must be poetic."

Chris retired from his commercial art business when he reached 62 and then devoted all his time to watercolor painting, instruction, conducting workshops and leading painting tours around the globe. He taught at Citrus College for over 30 years. He helped get many local artists started on their path towards painting watercolor. He enjoyed studying with nationally recognized watercolor artists Milford Zornes and Henry Fukuhara, both of whom had a profound influence on Chris' work. Chris served as president of the National Watercolor Society from 2005 through 2007. During that time he undertook the task of fund raising and converting the warehouse in San Pedro into the NWS Gallery. With the help of many others the goal was achieved. The gallery stands as a testament to his leadership and perseverance.

For Chris, his family, his faith, his art and his golf comprised the key elements of his life. He was active in both St. Louise parish in Covina as well as St. Timothy's in Morro Bay. He never stopped learning, exploring new ideas via lectures and PBS, attending live theater and music and enjoying a good hockey game or two. He was actively involved and instrumental in the lives of his six grandchildren Blake, Sarah, Bradley, Erik, Glenn and Joseph. He loved life and enjoyed meeting people from around the world as he painted and played golf in over twenty-five countries. He had a witty sense of humor and loved to tell a funny story even if he forgot the punch line. He went through life with a smile for everyone, a generous heart and a belief that there is good in every person.

Services:

Visitation Friday January 29, 5pm-8pm, Vigil 5:30-6pm, Benedict Rettey Mortuary, 1401 Quintana Rd, Morro Bay, CA 93442

Celebration of Life Saturday, January 30, 2pm, reception in hall following mass, St. Timothy's Catholic Church, 962 Piney Way, Morro Bay, CA 93442

Gravesite service Monday, February 1, 1pm Cayucos-Morro Bay Cemetery, 2451 Ocean Blvd, Cayucos, CA 93442