The long battle which William Winter has fought against ill health for more than fifteen years came to an end with his death last Thursday, Dec 7, 1933. He lost, yet he won, for his suffering has passed.
His failing health had its inception with an accident which occured to him on Sept. 3, 1919, when he was injured by a spirited team running away. The animals hitched to a wagon piled high with short pieces of lumber, became frightened near the J. L. Belles place. Mr. Winter was thrown forward and his foot caught on the whiffletrees. he was dragged under the wagon over gravel and sand nearly to his home on what was formerly the Durr Taylor farm. It was necessary at the time to take 24 stiches in two scalp wounds. Also, two bones in his foot were broken. Blood poisoning developed and a series of amputations followed, each time his leg having to be shortened.
No one will ever know just what this man went through. One less courageous couldn't have carried on against such great odds. He had already been so active and the desire to be of continued service to those of his family whom he loved, was probably the reason he didn't give up asmost men would have done. In his last illness he was confined in the Pontiac Hospital for about two months, death being due to pneumonia.
The deceased was born May 4, 1864 in Thamesville, Ontario, on of seven children and a son of John and Catherine McFarlane Winter. his mother was born in Scotland. His boyhood was spent on his father's farm near Thamesville. He married Esther Jane Gadd of the same place, on Nov. 26, 1885. Four years after their marriage, they came to Detroit, where he was superintendent of the North Woodward car barns for the D. U. R.
Mr. Winter with his family, came to Lake Orion 37 years ago. He served on the village council and had been a member of the board of Education. He was the contractor who built most of the bridges on the Flint Divison of the D. U. R. when the road was put through. He built the auditorium on Bellevue Island and most of the docks and bridges around the lake, besides beautifying this village with a number of cottages and three fine homes. He finally purchased from Smalley & Stanaback, the lumber and coal business, which he sold to George Tunison, and which is now owned by E. S. Letts & Sons.
Mr. Winter has been a useful citizen and has done much toward the improvement and building up of this town. It was an unfortunate thing for Lake Orion when he met with his misfortune, for it has been our misfortune as well. He will be greatly missed by the members of Orion Masonic lodge, No. 46, F & A. M. and Order of the Eastern Star, of which societies he was a valued member.
Surviving besides his widow, are three children, Mrs. J. L. Belles of this place; Mrs. Clarence Whitmyer, of Elkhart, Ind. and Ernest Winter of Detroit; also a brother, John Winter, of Melbourne Beach, Florida; Two sisters, Mrs. Henry Gadd and Mrs. Austin Welch, of Detroit and three grandchildren.
The funeral services were held Saturday afternoon from Allen's Funeral Home here, with interment in the family plot in Evergreen Cemetery. Rev. F. R. Walker, pastor of the Lake Orion M. E. church, officiated. The foral offerings were very beautiful and included special pieces from the Masons and Stars.
Those from out of town who were here to attend the funeral of William Winter, Saturday afternoon, included Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Whitmyer, and Mrs. Charles Francis, Elkhart, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gadd, Mrs. Austin Welch, Mr. and Mrs. Julius Mueller, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Julian, of Detroit; Mr. and Mrs. Ben Winter, Berkley; Mrs. George Street, Chatham, Ont.; Mrs. Jane Gadd, Mrs. Nettie Clark and John Julian, Thamesville, Ont.

Another newspaper article, not known when it was published or the paper written in, states the following:
William Winter, general sales manager of the Orion Summer Homes Real Estate Co., narrowly escaped death, or serious injury, when his car skidded on loose gravel Thursday noon, between Osford and Orion. Mr Winter was found unconscious in his car by a asserby, and was badly cut about the face. When he regained consciousness, he drove his car home where he received medical attention.