Donald Alexander Winn

Donald Alexander Winn, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully at the age of 88 in his home surrounded by family on March 3, 2023.  Don was born in Pocatello, Idaho on January 4, 1935 to James Henry Winn and Alice Blanche Winn. He married Sara Joan Christiansen in the Salt Lake Temple on May 25, 1962 and raised five children in Mountain Green, Utah: Bradley (Johanna) Winn, James (Shelly) Winn, Christopher (Amy) Winn, Rodney (Megan) Winn, and Lisa (Patrick) Smith. At the time of his passing, Don and Joan had 30 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Don was the youngest of three children and grew up with his older siblings Dale (Colleen) Winn and LeNae (Chris) Christison. Don’s father passed away when he was three years old and he was raised by his widowed mother, Blanche, and grandmother, Elizabeth Isabel Parker Erikson. Don was fortunate to have uncles and other caring leaders step in as father figures throughout his young life where he grew up enjoying the outdoors, riding horses, and working on the farm.

In high school, Don loved all kinds of sports as well as drama, debate, and music. He served as captain of his football team, point guard for the basketball team, lead role in the high school play, “Our Town,” and sang solos at his school dances. After high school, Don served as a missionary in the Central States Mission and went on to earn his bachelors and masters degrees from Brigham Young University where he met Joan.

Don and Joan loved living in Mountain Green where they enjoyed taking their kids into nature and many adventures. Don especially loved spending time outdoors with his kids (and neighbor kids) riding horses, camping, hunting, motorcycling, playing tennis, and floating the Weber River. He cherished summer family vacations and making memories with loved ones. Don had a wonderful and unique sense of humor that was quick-witted and kept us smiling through the ups and downs of life.

Don’s career was dedicated to helping others. He spent 33 years as the Morgan High School Counselor and was known as an advocate for students who needed a listening ear or a friend when they were struggling. He was masterful at facilitating resolutions of individual student problems and concerns. One day a student came to visit Don and said, “When my dad died, you were the only person I could come to.” Don believed that “the person is always more important than the point.” One of his great joys at Morgan High was coaching the boys’ and girls’ tennis teams. His dedication and love for students earned him recognition as Utah Tennis Coach of the Year.

Donald loved his Savior, Jesus Christ and had a natural love and genuine acceptance for others. In addition to his first mission as a young man, he served three senior missions with Joan to Tucson, Washington D.C., and Nauvoo for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He also served four years in the Ogden Temple. He had an innate sense of gratitude and contentment for whatever life gave to him. Don was a good man who went about quietly doing good things.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 11:30 am at the Highlands Chapel (5378 West Old Highway Road, Mountain Green, Utah) with a viewing that same morning from 10:00-11:00 am at the church.

*Fellow retired teachers from Morgan High School have created a Don Winn Scholarship Fund.  Anyone who wishes to contribute or in lieu of flowers can contact the Morgan School District office at ttoone@morgansd.org.