Gary Gene Winter

Gary Gene Winter, 78 of Bremerton, Washington passed away on November 20, 2020. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in January 1942.

Gary was raised on a farm in Loveland, Colorado, and eventually attended and played football for Loveland High School, graduating with the class of 1960. After high school, he attended the University of Colorado studying finance and economics. Gary also met his wife of 58 years, Marjorie while attending the university.

After college, he began a 50-plus year career in the banking industry with Denver US National Bank, First National Bank of Denver, Wyoming Bancorporation, and Guaranty Bank and Trust. He also worked for the Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC) and eventually North Sound Bank and American Marine Bank in Bainbridge Island, Washington.
Gary did almost everything in the banking industry including being a teller, bank examiner, working his way to CEO. He was a big proponent of community banks that provide exceptional customer service. He was known for making smart loans and providing the funding to get several successful businesses started. He was described as responsive, creative, and always having a long-term vision to consider the “bigger picture.” Gary worked hard and led by example. He was inspiring and always supportive.

In 1983, Gary was a member of the Colorado Forum. The Colorado Forum was a non-profit, unincorporated association of diverse business leaders. While apolitical, they were dedicated toward promoting the effective administration of public policies which enhanced the conditions of life and living in Colorado. Gary was a concerned and committed participant in many private-sector cultural and charitable efforts, including his founding of the magazine of Financial Arts to promote awareness of opportunities to market creative talent and to enjoy participation in various arts’ endeavors. He was also a committee member for B’nai Brith, the National Jewish Hospital/National Asthma Center, and Rose Memorial Center in Denver.

In his spare time, he enjoyed working in his yard, fishing, snowmobiling, and later in life reading. He always supported his son’s activities including coaching, refereeing, and cheering for them. Gary was a life-long Colorado Buffalo fan and enjoyed watching the Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, and Gonzaga Bulldog basketball. Gary had big blue eyes and a smile and laugh that could light up a room.

Gary is survived by his wife, Marjorie, and his sons Brian (Boulder, Colorado) and Eric (Marietta, Georgia) their wives and seven grandchildren. He is dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Gary’s name to the American Heart Association.


Arrangements are entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA.