Joshua Lee Winter, 44, of Centralia, Washington, passed away Sept. 18, 2024, at UW Medical Center. He was surrounded by family and friends. Josh was born on June 20, 1980, in Centralia, Washington. He stayed local to the area most of his life.
Josh’s heart issues, stemming from endocarditis, beginning in his mid-20s, didn’t stop Josh from excelling at hobbies and mastering projects around the home. Most importantly, Josh was able to be a loving, caring, and supportive partner and stay-at-home dad.
Josh met his fiancé and love of his life, Tiffany Music, 20-plus years ago. Finally, eight years ago, the stars aligned, and love won. Each had three children as they began their lives together. Josh had three girls. Tiffany had three boys. They were known to many as the Pacific Northwest Brady Bunch. They soon added three more girls to their clan, since they couldn’t keep their hands off each other. This summer, Josh took on the new title of “Grumpy” when he was blessed with two beautiful grandbabies. He was so proud and adored them both.
Josh would confidently state, “If the ladies don’t find me handsome, they’ll at least find me handy.” He was always there to help, and he would not hesitate to take on more projects, extra kids, or coach youth sports. He could always be counted on.
Josh was not bashful about his cooking skills. He was continuously looking for any opportunity to cook for others. His “Sloppy Josh’s” and his famous spaghetti were always crowd pleasers. Josh loved the outdoors. If the sun was shining, he was fishing or kayaking, which was followed by a BBQ or quality time sitting around a fire with loved ones. Similarly, Josh was an avid sports fan. Rooting for the kids in his life, the Seahawks and the Mariners, was a priority of his. At the end of the day, Josh could often be found playing online games with Tiff and the kids, as well as the many friends he made around the world.
Josh was wholeheartedly there for those in his life. He was known to be the life of the party and was willing to do things that would embarrass most people to get a laugh out of others, whether that be streaking through the bowling alley or dressing up in ladies clothing. Josh was able to make friends anywhere he went. He was a big kid at heart. His nieces, nephews, friends' children all adored him. Josh took great pride in teaching all the kids in his circle new life skills, especially how to fish and play sports. He encouraged them all to live by the motto, “Don’t just talk about it, be about it.” All the kids in Josh’s life were ecstatic every time they got to see him, which may have had something to do with the never-ending supply of candy he had.
Josh loved his family, new, old, blood, adopted and collected, he loved them all and made a point to tell them often. Josh loved many and was loved by many more.
Josh is preceded in death by daughter, Willow Winter; mother, Juanita Winter; bonus dad, Alan Rasmusson; brother, Michael Russell, who is undoubtedly thrilled to be joined in heaven by Josh’s antics and humor; grandfather, Kenny Weagant; niece, Kaylee Winter; cousin, Aaron Nichols; and favorite four-legged companions, Oreo and Cheech.
Josh is survived by fiancé, Tiffany Music; children and bonus children, Baylee (Brendon) Reichert, Ashlynn Winter, Hayden (Sammy) Anderson, Holden Anderson, Gracie Winter, Hudson Anderson, Hadleigh Winter and Haisley Winter; dad, Brian (Charlotte) Winter; father, Don (Julie) Oster; sisters Taylor (Cody) Winter and Becca (Emmett) Leigh; his brothers, Connor Winter, Brian (Cassandra) Winter, Brandon Winter, Lucas (Adrianna) Rasmusson and Josh (Sonja) Oster; beloved grandmother, Oura Lee Weagant; granddaughter, Ava; “adopted” children Allison Teachman, Kayla (Bryson) Houk, and grandson, Weston; as well as many nephews and nieces, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Josh’s family would like to invite you to honor him with a Seahawks themed, potluck style “let’s-TACO-bout him” celebration of life on Oct. 27, 2024. Please arrive shortly before kickoff (1 p.m.) at the Fords Prairie Grange, 2640 W. Reynolds Ave., Centralia, Washington. Wearing attire supporting your favorite NFL team is encouraged. If it is not Seahawks gear, be prepared for some badgering!
