Professor Edward M Winter - RIP

[cweeden]

To anyone who knew Edward,

Recently I have bought a few second hand parts from Edward and exchanged a few friendly emails about cars with Lotus being the obvious glue, some chat about his ventures into a Ferrari and a McLaren also crept in.

Last week I agreed to buy a suspension arm from Edward, money was transferred and a parcel arrived on Tuesday as expected, but sadly there was also a note written on the package by his wife Anne which read:

Dear Mr Weeden,

Unfortunately my husband Edward died on Sat 18.7.2020. This was the last parcel he wrapped up before he died.

Anne Winter

Very sad news indeed, I sent a message of condolence to the phone number accompanying the note and his daughter Holly replied to explain that he returned from a run, sat down in his office chair and was found 40 minutes later, already gone. 

Holly asked if I would let his online community know of his passing. It is never easy to hear news like this especially when it is out of the blue and so unexpected. I didn't know Edward well and had never met him but my heart sinks when I write this and think of his family and friends. I am sorry for anyone reading this who knew him better than I did that you learn of his passing like this.

RIP Edward.

-Chris

[sailorbob]

Yes, very sad news   I've met Edward a couple of times and he was a thoroughly nice chap. Full of life and doing things you would of expected of a younger person, when we last spoke he was working towards getting a pilot's licence. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

[Bibs]

Very sad to hear, Rest In Peace Edward. 

[steve930]

oh no, what a shock! 

I had the great pleasure of buying my 1st lotus from Edward (his v8 Esprit)  he maintained that car to such a high standard, it ensured my first foray into lotus ownership was a good and positive one. 

Edward was always extremely welcoming, kind hearted, friendly, polite and very very knowledgeable- a true gentleman, even 9 years after first meeting him, we would exchange occasional emails etc

Thinking of you and your family...  Rest in peace Edward 

 

[mike_sekinger]

I'm shocked.  I've had lots of exchanges with Edward over the years.

RIP friend.

[jonwat]

Truly shocked. I first met Ed when I took my Europa's gear linkage to him to refurbish the UJs & we've kept in touch ever since meeting up at the Lotus Drivers club sprints at Wellsbourne, picture of Ed below. Was last in touch with him a few months ago when he decided to sell the Europa to Paul Matty & use the proceeds to gain his private pilots licence. RIP old friend.

 

[HollyWinter]

Wow, thank you all so much for your touching tributes to my beloved dad. I welcome any stories, anecdotes and memories either here or I'm on 07966 887431 and holly_winter@hotmail.com.

Jonwat's photo of the sprint - one I don't think I've ever seen - has reminded me of going to see him compete there when I was tiny. He crashed that Europa in 1984 when I was only 5 and had been rebuilding it ever since. I remember feeling so excited to see him when it was his turn (especially when he won) and my mum having to stop me waving so I didn't distract him. It was also the first car I ever went in; I was brought home from hospital as a newborn on Mum's lap. They'd have been arrested these days.

How I shall miss him.

[mike_sekinger]

I knew that I had some images of Edwards V8 rebuild from back in 2010.

It was a three-day ordeal to remove the engine but he looks very pleased with himself in these shots.

[steve930]

The esprit in 2018

[andyblackman777]

Very sad news.
Rip Edward. 

[HollyWinter]

On 24/07/2020 at 21:40, steve930 said:

The esprit in 2018

Do you still have it now or otherwise know where it is?

On 24/07/2020 at 12:10, mike_sekinger said:

I knew that I had some images of Edwards V8 rebuild from back in 2010.

It was a three-day ordeal to remove the engine but he looks very pleased with himself in these shots.

Thank you, I'd not seen these pics. Must have been shortly before he sold it. The engine hoist just went on ebay.

[steve930]

 

13 hours ago, HollyWinter said:

Do you still have it now or otherwise know where it is?

Hi Holly. 

I sold it last year, the new owner lives in Manchester area. 

Sadly I don't think it's now going to be used as regularly as your father & I used it

[HollyWinter]

Well, I'm not sure it was ever intended to be the town run-about. 😁

[LotuStuart]

I am so sorry to hear this.

I bought a part from him only last month, and mistaking me for another Stuart he Facetimed me to catch up.

Despite never having spoken before, we chatted for perhaps 20 minutes about Lotus ownership and the world in general. It was a very enjoyable conversation and brightened my quarantined day up hugely.

 

[HollyWinter]

We now have a date for his funeral: Monday 10 August. We can only have 25 people in attendance and it is heartbreaking that we can't give Dad the funeral he deserves.

However, the service will be live-streamed by the funeral directors and I will provide information for watching it as soon as i have them. Also, his cortege will travel along Abbeydale Road South at around 2.50pm before passing the Hallamshire Squash Club at approx 3pm and his former office at Collegiate Hall at around 3.05pm where those who knew him may pay their respects along the way. Please pass this on to anyone who might like to line the route or add some Lotus engine roars to the procession.

Please contact me if you would like details.
Holly xx