Walter Winston "Win" Bestwick
February 18, 1941 ~ January 9, 2025
It is with great sadness that the family of Winston Bestwick announces his passing at age 83.
He was the son of the late Harry Walter and Florence Ruth Bestwick of Oshawa, ON.
Left to mourn his passing are his loving wife and partner of 53 years, Marilyn; children, Jeffrey, Todd, Tammy (David), Jamie (Carolyn), David; grandchildren, Theresa, Leah (Eduardo Villada), Ryan James; great-grandchildren, Sebastian, Frederik; brothers-in-law Barry Weir (late Nancy), Glenn Weir; nieces and nephews, Andrea (Sikas Rizos), Sheri, Natalie, Nicole (Graeme Kerr); extended family and dear friends.
Win was born in Lindsay, ON and raised in Oshawa, ON. As a youth, summers were spent at his parents’ Birch Point Lodge in Bobcaygeon where he would guide tourists, clean fish, prepare boats and complete odd jobs around the property. He also worked for the Crowe family at Kawartha Dairy and retained vivid memories of picking up milk from the local dairy farmers.
Win was an avid outdoorsman, often found fishing, hunting, birdwatching, stargazing & exploring the bush. He was also a successful taxidermist, running his own business in Oshawa called Safari Taxidermy.
Win attended Albert College and later MIT in Michigan, which led to a 30 year career with the Ontario Government. He tirelessly promoted Ontario around the world as part of the Department/Ministry of Tourism, working alongside PCs Claude Bennett, John Robarts, and Bill Davis. Win worked with the team responsible for creating the slogan, “A Place To Stand, A Place To Grow” which was later adapted into a song, becoming Ontario’s unofficial anthem. “Ontari-ari-ari-o!”
When it was time to slow down and raise a family, Win & Marilyn chose Novar, ON. It was here that he continued to promote and help the growth of small independent resorts throughout the Muskoka & Haliburton Region.
To close his career in Muskoka, he moved over to the Ministry of Natural Resources where friends referred to him as, “Ranger Ricky”. As a director of the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce and on the Board of the Legion Branch #232, he was instrumental in building affordable accommodations on Walter Street for our Veterans.
Looking after “The Ponderosa”, Win & Jeff worked tirelessly to ensure the woodshed was stocked with dried firewood and meals prepared with delicious smallmouth bass from the lake. Jeff learned to become such a great woodsman because of his Dad & Grandfather. Win was a talented photographer, always having a camera ready to capture anything that caught his gifted eye. He was also the team photographer during Jamie & David’s time with the Huntsville Hawks lacrosse & Novar Generals softball teams.
Win was an excellent home chef, preparing wonderful meals for his family. Vichysoisse, homemade hamburgers, Caesar salad, escargot & “cheese dreams” were some of his favourites. He was happiest enjoying a scoop of Kawartha Dairy ice cream and had a sweet tooth that would rival any 5 year old.
While in Florida to escape cold Ontario winters, he loved placing bets at the dog track as well as taking his family out to the beach or for an afternoon of mini-putt or shuffleboard.
Win loved listening to music and was a huge fan of John Denver (“Annie’s Song” was their wedding song), Elton John, ABBA & others. He also loved going to see live music & entertainment any chance he got. Supporting various artistic events, especially at the Algonquin Theatre was dear to his heart.
In later years, Win enjoyed watching sports and gameshows, always tuning in to watch the Toronto Blue Jays, Wheel of Fortune & Jeopardy! Win was a resident at Fairvern Nursing Home for 6 years, battling the life-altering effects of Alzheimer’s Disease. He enjoyed the food and appreciated the caring nature of the nursing staff. At his core, Win was gentle, kind, caring & compassionate. He had a big smile and charm that would brighten the darkest days. Win was a proud, loving husband & father and will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Win’s name can be made to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation
in Huntsville, ON.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, please revisit this site as details are arranged.
Interment will happen alongside his parents & grandparents at Sunderland Cemetery, Sunderland, ON