John Robert Winzler Sr.

1930 - 2021

John Robert Winzler Sr.

A life well lived! John Robert Winzler Sr. passed away on December 25, 2021 at the age of 91, surrounded by his family.
John was preceded in death by his three siblings Beverly Winzler Peterson, Lt. George Winzler Jr. (Bub), and Lura Winzler.
John was born to parents George and Ruby Winzler on May 5, 1930, and lived in Eureka his entire life, never wanting to live anywhere else. He graduated from Eureka High School in 1947. He attended Humboldt State University for 2 years, transferred to UC Berkeley where he graduated, Cum Laude, in 1951 with a B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering and Architecture. John was proficient in many technical disciplines over his lifetime. He was a Registered Civil Engineer, Registered Traffic Engineer, Registered Mechanical Engineer, Licensed Architect, and Licensed Land Surveyor.
After college, John returned to Humboldt County, married his high school sweetheart, Flora Pinochi, and together raised their four children. They were married for 46 years. Flora died in 1997 after a long battle with cancer.
In 1951, John and his father, George Winzler, started an engineering business "Winzler and Winzler". When his good friend, and fellow graduate, Robert (Bob) Kelly returned from the Korean War, Bob joined the firm and the name changed to "Winzler, Winzler & Kelly". Eventually, after the death of his father the firm become "Winzler & Kelly Consulting Engineers". John loved working and spent long hours building a successful business. John served as the President and/ or Principal Engineer of "Winzler and Kelly" for over 40 years, continuing to work into his 80's. He and Bob grew the company into a multi-disciplinary engineering firm with 285 employees that included 10 offices in the Western United States and the Pacific Islands (Guam and Saipan). In 2011 Winzler & Kelly merged with the international company GHD, a company of over 6500 employees. His greatest concern at the sale of the business was that all the W & K employees would be able to keep their jobs. He felt a great responsibility for the welfare of his employees and their families. If he could write this now, we know that our dad would want to say a very heartfelt "THANK YOU" to all the "Winzler and Kelly" employees that helped to build such a successful business. He knew that the employees were the foundation for the success of Winzler and Kelly and he greatly respected and appreciated them.
John loved everything about Humboldt County and supported and served the community in many ways. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Eureka (50+ years), Ducks Unlimited, and the Native Sons. He has served on the board of directors for St. Joseph Hospital (13 years), the Clarke Historical Museum (51 years), the Ingomar club and the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce. John was one of the co-founders of Humboldt Bank and served on their board of directors for 17 years. He was the principal engineer for the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District and was recognized in 2006 for his 46 years of service to the District, with the dedication of the District's Operation Facilities at Essex as the "The John R. Winzler Operations and Control Center". He was very proud of his long relationship with the Water District. John was also one of the key individuals in bringing modern wastewater facilities to communities in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties: including Redway, Garberville, Miranda, Parts of Eureka and Cutten, Blue Lake, McKinleyville, and Crescent City. He was also involved in updating Woodley Island Marina to provide safe harbor facilities for commercial fishermen and boaters.
Over the years John received many professional honors, awards and acknowledgements including; an appointment to the California Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, by then governor Ronald Regan, and served as its President; an appointment to the National Board of Engineering Examiners, which sets licensing standards throughout the USA; receiving the Engineers of the year, Public Service Award of the California Council of Civil Engineer and Land Surveyor; receiving the Outstanding Civil Engineer in the Private Sector Award of the San Francisco Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers in 2006.
John is survived by his four children, Dr. John Winzler Jr. and wife Janet, James Paul Winzler, Debra Winzler Friedenbach and husband John, and Julie Winzler Siqueira and husband Keith. Grandchildren, Kalie Iorg, Jay Winzler, and Melina Winzler, Gregory Friedenbach, Charles Friedenbach, and
Natalie Friedenbach. Great Grandchildren Madison & Kyle Iorg, Iyla and Kaia Winzler. He is also survived by nephews Jack Peterson, Rick Peterson, Rob Peterson; nieces Susan Arthur and Patricia Moore as well as cousin Marilyn Cesaretti.
John remarried in 2001 and is survived by his second wife, Sandra McKenzie Winzler. They enjoyed 20 years together. He considered himself very fortunate to have such a large extended family and so many close friends. He loved to travel and he did so both for his business and for personal enjoyment. John and Sandy enjoyed some great vacations together.
John also loved the outdoors. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting, fishing, clamming, skiing, golfing, and gardening. He particularly loved spending time at the family cabin in Redway amongst the Redwoods and swimming in the Eel River. In his later years, he enjoyed watching Football (Go Bears!), time with family and friends, and sharing a good cocktail and a lively discussion about politics and world events. He was a great story teller and lived during one of the most interesting times in history. He always said that he had had a great life despite the ups and downs that came with it. He was very appreciative of his many close friends that enriched his life over the years, and he looked forward to their phone calls and visits. He was a firm believer and supporter of a good education for all. Dad was a great patriarch for our family and we will miss him dearly.
The Winzler family would like to thank all the wonderful people involved in our father's care, especially Alisa Osburn for her outstanding care and kindness, Dad always enjoyed your company and valued your help tremendously. A special thank you to Lucy Vainuku, Leua Vainuku, and Sam Ily for your gentle, skilled care and all your kindness. He could not have had better caregivers at the end of his life. Thank you, also, to Agape and Hospice for your much needed care and help.
Due to the recent Covid outbreak, a celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Dad would be honored if you made a donation to The Clark Museum, Hospice, or your favorite local charity.