By Pat Beaudet, Sylvanian Staff
The Sierra Club joins family and friends following the passing of Dennis R. Winters on January 8, 2021, at the age of 77, in honoring his life and contributions. A lifetime member of the Sierra Club, Dennis was an active, dedicated volunteer who served in positions at the national, chapter, and group levels for more than 40 years. He is remembered fondly by those with whom he worked.
Jeff Schmidt, former director of the Pennsylvania Chapter, says, "During most of my 30 years working for the Pennsylvania Chapter, Dennis Winters was a key Chapter leader who was tireless in his advocacy. We worked together while he was Chapter Chair from 2007-2012, Conservation Chair, Political Chair from 2007-2012. and Transportation Chair. I knew him to live his environmental ethic: taking public transportation whenever possible and living a minimalist lifestyle. He did an exemplary job overseeing our Chapter Political Committee and our endorsements. Dennis was always a strong supporter of our Chapter Lobbying Program, encouraging volunteer engagement to complement staff lobbying. He also served on the National Political Committee for several years."
Wendi Taylor, a Pennsylvania Chapter leader and former chapter chair herself, says, "I did not know Dennis well but I spent three years under his tutelage as his vice-chair (2009-2011). He took the helm after a succession of chapter chairs, who did not complete their terms. I was grateful for his steady hand while he served as chapter chair. Dennis respected science which made him a great advocate and role model. He chaired the Chapter Transportation Issue Committee for years."
National leader and local activist, Robin Mann, remembers that Dennis read extensively and had a broad knowledge of environmental issues. She remarks that he was ahead of others in spotting the impending climate change crisis and the role of transportation in it.
Dennis' commitment to the environment drew him to volunteer, not only for Sierra Club but for other environmental organizations, such as the Clean Air Council, the Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia, and the Academy of Natural Sciences where he received the Albert Visco Award in 2018 for volunteer work in the research areas of the Academy and contributions to its mission.
In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the causes Dennis supported: the Clean Air Council; the Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University, or the Philadelphia County Sierra Club. Condolences will be gathered by his brother, Gary Winters.
This blog was included as part of the Spring 2021 Sylvanian newsletter. Please click here to check out more articles from this edition!