Roy ‘J’ (Rip) Van Winkle, 84, of Colorado Springs, passed away at his home on  November 30, 2018. He was born on November 18, 1934, in Durango, Colorado, to John and Elma Van Winkle.
After moving from town to town while John worked in the mines, they finally settled in Carlsbad New Mexico.  He was supposed to graduate in 1951 From Carlsbad but decided he just didn’t want to. So after getting tired of his father he  joined the Navy. He sailed all over visiting places like Hawaii  and Japan.  He was a typical sailor and he partied and  sewed his oats while serving his country.  After the Navy he spent some time hell raisin’ between Texas and  Colorado but we don’t talk about that.  He  eventually settled in Colorado Springs, where he met and spent the next 53 years with the love of his life, Wynona. Rip worked  many many years in construction either building houses digging holes with his beloved John Deere or pouring concrete.  He retired from Firebaugh precast after many long years of working with his best friend Bill Firebaugh.
Rip enjoyed  fishing, and camping and building stuff and welding and Western dancing and rodeoin’ and story telling and spending time with his family.  Rip loved welding and working on cars and  racing cars.  He was best welder around.  If you would have ask him he would have gladly told you he was.  After his girls came along that love turned to watching Nascar.  He watched it all from practice to the after show every week and in the off season he watched any race he could find on the speed network.  He loved his family and all of  his dogs even if he did growl at them from time to time.
Rip is survived by his wife, Wynona;  daughters Deborah (Bill) Sautner, and Lynda Van Winkle; one spoiled ass dog Brody, and many loving nieces, nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, his Mama, sister, Lucille Blankenship and brother Ralph Van Winkle and his Aunt Rose.
No services will be held.
Condolences can be sent to
The Van Winkle’s
75 n Curtis Rd #7
Colorado springs,CO 80930