Michael Winder

Suddenly, from his home in the heart of Banff, Michael Winder passed away on the morning of Thursday February 11, 2021.

Michael stands out as one of the area's last, true characters of the

Bow Valley, remembered and admired for his unique style, his kind

ways and his talent for truly listening to other's. Always dressed in black, wearing his signature cowboy hat and his painted black peg leg, Michael knew all of the locals in town and had a wide range of friends from all over Alberta.

Born in Hamilton but growing up in Stoney Creek, ON, at a young

age Michael moved out west hitching a ride on a freight train with

a few of his closest friends. He resided over the years in Canmore,

Black Diamond and for the last 30 years, called Banff his home.

He loved the mountains and he loved Alberta.

His early years involved working with horses including guiding trophy hunters, and the training and exercising of Polo horses for the world's elite in Santa Barbara, California.

Michael knew his way around a horse, but it was the world of carpentry that really held his interest and allowed him to be that creative person he became. He was considered a Scenic Carpenter and worked on some of the blockbuster movie sets creating scenes for hits like Gun Smoke, The Assassination of Jesse James, Dead Bang, Open Range and the television series North Of 60.

He elevated his skills from carpentry to artistry, designing and

building the historic Black Diamond Hotel bar including the built in

Little Chicago Café. Throughout the years, restaurant walls and bars from Victoria to Winnipeg showed his signature style in all of the previous Magpie and Stump locations including the one still in business in Michael's hometown of Banff. He designed and rebuilt the bar at the Sylvan Lake Hotel.

Where the St James Gate sits now, locals back then will recall the

Two Crows Fine Food and Firewater he helped design and construct. Not only did Michael design and build restaurants, he was also a Restaurateur, managing the Magpie and Stump franchise in Winnipeg. He dabbled in the catering business opening Film Works Catering with a friend in Black Diamond but sold his shares and moved on. He was, up until 10 years ago, very much a working man.

Michael loved most things in life and found some things irresistible.

A cold beer, a Turkish cigarette, Blues music, a warm fire and the company of friends. His needs were few and he was tough as nails.

Michael is predeceased by his beautiful, Irish mother Maureen; his kind English father, Arthur; his beloved brothers Artie (17) and Timmy (34).

He is survived by his 4 children; Dustin, Wayce, Wyatt, Jared and two grandchildren; Charlie and Skye. Also survived by his best friend, biggest fan and partner of 20 years, Marla Madden.

Michael was cremated on February 16, 2021. He's back home in the mountains now resting in a place where the sun will warm his ashes

and his raven, Baby Scruff can watch over him.

Michael is reunited with his family now and can forever

Rest In Peace.

In closing, giving came easy to Michael, whether it was handing a warm coat and few bucks to a stranger or listening to a troubled friend. In lieu of any sort of a donation and in keeping with what he would want, a fitting tribute to Michael would be to show an act of kindness to someone in whatever way you can.

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.