Dr. Malcolm Duncan Winter Jr, 86, passed on peacefully early Thursday morning, March 19th, 2015, at the Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City after 4 months of declining health.
Dr. Winter was born prematurely at 4.5 lbs in Miles City on June 8th, 1928, the son of Dr. Malcolm and Martha Winter. He grew up in Miles City, graduating from Custer County High School as valedictorian a year early. He attended Wheaton College and Northwestern Medical School, interning at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago, where he met Beth Tate, a student nurse from Downer’s Grove IL. After graduating, they were married in 1953 and moved to Rochester MN, finishing an internal medicine fellowship at Mayo Clinic in 1957. Dr. Winter served for 2 years as Captain, Chief of Medicine, at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, before joining the Garberson Clinic in Miles City in 1959.
Malcolm enjoyed fishing, backpacking, mountain climbing, tennis, woodworking, gardening, photography, traveling, genealogy, and getting 4-wheel drive vehicles stuck in remote gumbo, so he could employ his winch to get them out, much to the distress and delight of his family. He spearheaded other fun Winter family activities, including river floats, Sunday afternoon bike rides, and week-long adventures backpacking in Montana’s beautiful mountains.
Dr. Winter saw a lot of change in his 47 years of practice, before retiring in 2000. Early years had many house calls, including one that saved an unconscious family from carbon monoxide poisoning. In later years he helped the Garberson group practice merge with the Billings Clinic, and he was inducted as a ACP Internist Fellow. One of his colleagues described him as “one of the most intelligent physicians I’ve ever met”, another said “physicians would do well to emulate Dr. Winter”. As he grew up the son of a famed local doctor, he knew much of the medical history of the area, so he wrote a unique book titled “Miles City medical history”.
Malcolm was a devout Christian, active member of the First Baptist Church, and the Gideon and Kiwanis clubs. He and Beth influenced many youth with their involvement in various youth groups. Their house was always open to kids and adults alike.
Malcolm is survived by his wife of 61 years, Beth; children Dr. Malcolm Winter of Bremerton WA, Scott Winter of Miles City, Bruce Winter of Salt Lake City UT, and Susan Page of NSW Australia; 9 grandchildren and two nephews Paul and Craig Kitamura of Seattle, WA.
Visitation will be on Monday, March 30, 2015 at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 4-6 p.m. Funeral services will be Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. the First Baptist Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery with full military honors. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home have been entrusted with these arrangements. Should friends desire, condolences can be made to the family by visiting stevensonandsons.com.
Donations may be made to the First Baptist Church, 900 Palmer St., Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday March 30, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 31, 2015
First Baptist Church
900 Palmer
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday March 30, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 31, 2015
First Baptist Church
900 Palmer
Miles City, MT
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Beverly McDowell Harris says
Beth & kids,
So sorry for your loss. I remember the old days back in the 60’s when we spent so much time at your home with the youth groups.
Dale & Cindy Berg says
Beth and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Cherish all your wonderful memories. God bless you all.
Jim & Cathy Bastian says
Dear Beth and family We are so very sorry! Our heart is with you,and you are in our prayers. May the Lord hold you close as you go through these next days.
Denise Harvey says
A great man may have left our community but he has left our community a better place for having been with us!! May God Bless and Comfort You All until you meet again!
Denise Oberlander Harvey
Gwen Wickham says
Beth, was so sorry to hear about Doc. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. I have some wonderful memories of him from the church. God Bless You and Comfort You. Gwen Wickham, Mike Wickham and Amanda Wickham Greenwell
Helen Johnsen Deines says
Dear Beth and family; I am so sorry about your loss of Mal, but I know someday you will feel the comfort that he is without pain and enjoying watching you continue to live your life. I remember good times at your “new” house those many nearly 50 years ago for the teens of First Baptist
Diane Welbes says
You & family are in my thoughts and prayers, during this time.
Larry and Vaal Edwards says
Beth and family. We are so very sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Larry and Val Edwards
maureen patikas says
Beth,so sorry about Doc,he was a great man and the best doctor I had.Beth if you need any thing please let me know.Love and think of you all time.My thoughts are with you and the kids.
maureen
Maureen Larson says
Beth & family,
My thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss.
Wanda Holmlund says
Beth & Family: I am so sorry for your loss. I clearly remember Dr. Winter at the hospital crawling around on his hands and knees looking for the stone that fell out of my wedding ring. A very kind man.
Linda Merchant says
so sorry to hear of doc passing.Miles City lost a good doc when you to made the move.gone but never forgotton.
Mike and Linda Wyse says
Beth and family
So sorry for your loss, Mal was one of a kind. He will be missed by everyone. Cherish the memories. Thoughts and prayers.
Ruben and June Opp says
Beth and all your family, you all have been very special friends of ours , we are very sorry to hear about the passing of a very special friend , we know he will be missed so very much but also know he is in a much better place. We pray Gods special blessings on you all during this time and the days ahead. We will miss being there with you , Just know our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love Ruben and June Opp
Linda Hodgson says
Beth and family, so sorry to hear of Mal’ s passing. My prayers go out to you all.
Debra Moore says
I met my husband John, at Malcolm and Beth’s home in 1974. They have blessed so many people in this community with their “open door” policy. What a kind, brilliant, thoghtful man. Love and prayers to Beth and all the family.
Tom & Nena Saunders says
To Dr. Winters family…what a wonderful person and caring Doctor. He helped many people as well as being a great teacher. I am grateful for the years I worked with him at the old HRH. Peace to you Beth and your family.
Mary Ann Liles says
Dear Beth and family: old friends and neighbors. I still find myself quoting Mal’s wise words to others. He always cut to the heart of the matter and told the truth. I love you all and will miss him very much. As your neighbor, I was witness to the many wonderful, kind deeds you both made it your life’s work to extend to others. God bless you and yours. We are praying for you.
Mary Ann and Jim Liles
Carol Rath Raschkow says
Beth and family. I remember how kind you and Dr, Winter were to some of us while we were in nurses training. I have wonderful memories of spending time at your home, singing Christmas carols and having so much fun. I also had the priveledge of working with, and learning from, Dr.Winter at the old HRH. He was always so kind and patient and every chance he got he was teaching the nurses and extending our knowledge.My prayers are with all of you as you mourn the loss and celebrate the life of a wonderful, caring man. GOD bless you all.
Jeanne Green says
Beth and family,
I have been praying for you this past time and will continue in the days to come. May God give you peace in knowing where he is now!
Tom & Janet Munger says
Beth, Bruce, and Winter family,
Janet and I extend our condolences to all of you. Malcolm was an inspiration to all of us. I enjoyed the last 30 years knowing him and meeting the rest of your family. It was indeed a privilege to be able to participate in his observations of life along the way.
He was thoughtful, kind, and patient, virtues we all should aspire to.
With sympathies,
Tom and Janet
Sharon Kearnes says
I am so sorry for your loss.
Richard & Linda Meidinger says
I know Dr winter many years ago at the old Holy Rosary Hospital and he was so patient and kind to work with, and so kind to his patients. So sorry to hear of you losing him. His family
are in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.
Kathy & Lonnie Leslie says
Beth & Family,
So sad to hear about Mal. We will certainly miss him. So thankful we shall see him again in Heaven. You and your family are in our prayers.
Rick & Dee Abbott says
Beth and family,
We were deeply saddened to learn of Doc’s passing – he was such a kind and caring man. We pray that God grant you comfort and peace during these difficult days.
Larry and Leona Dann says
Beth and family
Was so sorry to learn of your loss. Mal was a good boss, doctor and also a friend. If there is anything we can do to help at this trying time, please let us know.
We pray that God grant you comfort and peace during the coming days.
Larry & Kathy Martin says
So sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God’s peace be with you during this time.
Carroll South says
Beth, so sorry to hear this news. I have fond memories of the many times we spent together.
May God be with you.
WALT & FRAN LLOYD says
WE ARE SORRY TO HEAR OF MAL’S PASSING OUR SYMPATHIES TO YOU BETH AND YOUR FAMILY
Terri Schmitz Newby says
Beth and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May he rest in glorious peace, and may our God wrap his loving and comforting arms around you all of you during your sorrow, and always.
Martin and Elaine Stene says
Dear Beth and family,
Our deepest condolences to you all for the loss of Mal. We all know that he is in a better place
and resting in the arms of the Savior. We pray that He will also bless you all and comfort you with His perfect love both now and in the empty months ahead. Our prayers are with you all.
In His perfect love,
Martin and Elaine
Merry and Armando DeAnda says
Dear Beth, Scott and family, so sorry to hear of your father’ s passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gail Smith says
So sorry to hear about Doc you two have been such an important part of my life. I wish I could be there but I will be praying to God that he will hold you close and give you comfort. Love you.
Alma & Jerry Smith says
Beth& Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. So sorry for your loss.
Patti (Green) Ireland says
To Beth and family. I’m so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories at your house, with Aunt Marlyn and cousins, or youth groups. We also enjoyed having the boys spend time at the ranch. I know how much you trust the Lord, and know He will give your comfort. We do not grieve as the world does.
Kathy Hardy says
Beth my heart goes out o you and the family. I know the pain and loneliness after losing Leon and the lord and family will get you through it without them I would be lost. I remember telling Malcom one time at work that when he died he was going to come back as a nurse and have to read a doctors writting like his because it was so bad. He laughed and after that started reading his orders to the nurses before he left. Bless you and my prayers are with you
Clara Isaacs McNamee says
Beth and family I was so sorry to hear of Doc’s passing. Know that I am thinking and praying for all of you. You were such an inspiration for me as I was growing up. I could go to you at any time and any hour and you took me in with open arms and I was and am so thankful for that. I ofter think of all the things we did at your house and making all the pizzas that we so fondly ate. Love you.
Carol LaRose Schuetzle says
My thought and prayers are with you all.
Sorry for you loss.
Doc is a very nice man and will be missed by all.
Michael Hardesty says
I just heard about this Scott am so sorry for your loss. He was a very great man. My condolences to you and all of your family
Katrina Iserman, Olivia and Dennis Czech says
Dear Winter Family:
I have already said much on FaceBook about Mal – my 2nd Dad. He has left the world a better place and I’m imagining him in Heaven with my Mom and Dad and Birth Mom. While we miss him and see him no more, our wonderful memories will sustain us and thank goodness there are so very many of them. Much Love and Prayers to you,
Katrina, Dennis and Olivia
Jeannette Larsen says
So sorry to read of Dr Winter’s ill health and his passing….He was my Dr since I was 16 years old, off and on as long as I lived in Miles. He sure knew what he was doing………….God Bless you and family…………………..
Garth Sleight says
Beth, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. We were so fortunate to live next door to you and Mal for two years when we first moved to Miles City in 1986. We have enjoyed the ongoing association. The Sleights extend their sincere condolences on your loss.
Steve and Debbie Garrett says
Beth and the Winter Family, Mal was a kind and caring man that did a tremendous amount for the community and the people of Miles City. I believe that Mal lived by his actions not just his words. We were privileged to call the both of you our friends and we will miss him.
Bob and Jewell Starburg says
Mal is one of the best men that I ever knew. He was a good Christian and a good doctor. We have many happy memories of the times spent with him. We will be thinking of you, Beth, and praying for the family. Peace and Love, Bob and Jewell Starburg
v. thompson says
My sincere condolences to the Winter family. May you find comfort in your loving memories, and in God’s promise to soon “swallow up death forever” and “wipe away the tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25;8) While grief at the loss of Dr. Winter is great, joy at welcoming him back in the earthly resurrection will be greater. (Mark 5;42) With deepest sympathy,
Bryan & Shannon Holmen says
He was such a dedicated physician, and supporter of Miles City. We have lost one of those good ‘ol boys of medicine, and sincerely kind person. Our prayers.
Betty Steiner says
My heart and prayers are with you all. One of my last memories of you two was a dinner at you home just before we Miles City in 2006. The lamb dinner is a special memory that I have.
May God Bless you and yours at this special time in your life.
Betty steiner
Kirk and Cynthia (Powell) Zimbelman says
We were saddened to hear of Doc passing. he was a wonderful human. I will not forget the nurturing I received during my formative years (Cyndy). Our thoughts and sympathy to the entire family.
Mike & Judy Toennis says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Dewey & Terry Hurick says
Dear Beth and family,
We offer our condolences in this sad time. You posted wonderful pictures of happy days.
Thank you. May our Lord be very near to you as you pass through this valley. Hugs. D & T
Mike and Dorrie Mangen says
Beth and Family,
So sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of going to the house as a kid and worship at the 1st Baptist Church. Mal was a good man and cared for his patients.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Troy & Joan Liquin says
Beth and Family,
Growing up your family was always so gracious to ours and the youth. Many sweet memories were spent in your home. This time of year your family embraced the Easter spirit with so many. It is our prayer that you may find solace knowing that you will be reunited again.
Our prayers are with you~
Troy, Joan & family
Paul Farr says
Dear Beth & Family,
So sorry for our loss. Good examples of lives well lived are to be cherished, as are our memories. May God be with you now and always.
Paul
Donnelle Millhollin says
Sorry for your loss Beth. I must be hard to lose your best friend. Love to you and your family
Cynthia Cherry-Schif says
To Beth, Malcom, Scott, Bruce and Susan – I am so sorry to hear of this crushing loss. It’s been a tough year in Miles City, and we’ve bid farewell to many old friends of the family. Having said goodbye to my own Mom, just before Thanksgiving, I know the path you guys are on. “Doc Winter”, as he was known in our home, was our physician for many years, and I recall his kindness and his sensitivity and common-sense approach to health care. I also remember his forbearance, answering the door, and graciously stepping aside; floating above the chaos, that just “is” with your own kids at home, and a houseful of rowdy, opinionated teenagers to boot! I always felt welcome in your home, no matter the time of day or night, and I thank you for that. I live in quiet, semi-rural St. Charles, IL, in a big home with plenty of room and three guest suites. I hope you’ll let me return the favor, the next time you’re out Chicago way. In the meantime, I know faith will get you through. Thank God you have each other! Hang on tight and know you all are in my thoughts as you begin to process and redefine your lives without him. Sending love, warmth, light and strength from the prairie, that is our backyard. Cynthia Cherry-Schif
Jane Winter Leddy and son John says
Dear Beth and family,
We are so sorry and saddened to hear of Malcolm’s passing. Cousin Mal was such a wonderful and loving man who will be greatly missed far and wide. I’m writing on behalf of the whole Leddy family and particularly on behalf of my mother Jane Winter Leddy who sends her love to all of you. We only just heard the sad news and Jane is unable to easily call or write for herself these days. Still she thinks fondly of her loving cousin Mal and Beth and their children and all. Jane still recalls lazy summer days with Mal at their Grandparents farm, Winterbourne in Iowa. As an only child growing up in Norwalk and through her years in California, Jane has long held a special place in her heart for her dear sweet cousin Mal. Love to you all.