In loving memory of

Eric Owen Winson
February 10, 1932 - September 10, 2009

Eric Owen Winson, aged 77, beloved father, grandfather, and husband,passed away on Sept 10th, 2009. Eric died at his home in DrippingSprings, TX, after several years' struggle with various blood disorders.Eric (nicknamed Farley) was born on Feb 10th, 1932 in Bulawayo, SouthernRhodesia (now Zimbabwe). He was the only child of Charles Edwin Winsonand Roma Attwell Winson. Eric graduated from Milton Technical College in Bulawayo, and worked asa commercial pilot, an entrepreneur, and a farmer in Africa, the MiddleEast, Europe, South America, and the USA. Throughout his life, he wasinvolved in numerous humanitarian projects in different parts of hisbeloved Africa--from Niger to Zambia to Tanzania. Eric is survived by his wife Karen, of Dripping Springs, Texas; sonGary, of Schiedam, Holland; daughter Gayle, of Johannesburg, SouthAfrica; son Bruce, of Dallas, Texas; son Charles of Kyle, Texas; anddaughter Melinda of Lake Forest, Illinois. He is also survived by 11grandchildren (Ryan, Ross, Mark, Rick, Courtenay, Emma, Ian, Durban,Lillian, Errol, and Roman). In addition to his parents, Eric was preceded in death by his son ErrolBrian Winson. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2009. An informal gathering of family and friends will start at 1:00 p.m. at the Dripping Springs Community Fellowship church, 264 American Way, Dripping Springs, Tx 78620 with the memorial service following at 2:00 p.m. www.dscfchurch.com Guest book and obituary available online at harrellfuneralhomes.com Harrell Funeral Chapel Dripping Springs, TX 512-858-5666 512-858-5666s

Tributes

Mom wrote on Oct 31, 2009:

"Every thing about Eric is good! God Bless."

Jenny Howell wrote on Oct 16, 2009:

"Has been many years but a colourful character I remember well."

David and Connie Sadowski Davey Andrew Joey Car.. wrote on Sep 19, 2009:

"Eric had a great big bear hug that brought instant relief to the stresses of life. We felt the true presense of the Lord each time Eric spoke. Eric lived big and we will help others . In honor of Eric in service to the Lord we will pay it forward. Karen are better people because you cared and we grieve with you! What a privelige God gave you tone with Eric as he passed into loving arms of God. Family may God bring to memory wonderful stories to get you through your grief."

Donna Bullock wrote on Sep 17, 2009:

"We met Eric and Karen several years ago. It was our pleasure to visit with him and Karen and hear his stories as he shopped with us in the store. Karen, we know how much you loved him and we know you will miss him terribly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Momma Donna and Glenn Bullock Hill Country Natural Foods"

Rhys A. Adams wrote on Sep 16, 2009:

"Eric took on the role of grandfather to my daughter Lauren D-Adams when he heard she had lost both her grandfathers.. Eric took me on as his son in Africa.. I visited and enjoyed his safari camp with 12 people plus myself.. it was a deal made in heaven.. Eric wanted me to look after his mining operations but we just kept missing by inches.. then i was to take his hospital ship from Baltimore to Tanz. but we never made it there either.. big dreams never die only their dreamers.. it's life and I loved Eric's passion for living life to it's fullest.. a truly defined art in itself.."

Pam and Rick Legvold wrote on Sep 16, 2009:

"Gary, Our thoughts go out to you and your family during this time. We were so sorry to hear of the death of your father. Pam and Rick"

Astrid van der Poel wrote on Sep 16, 2009:

"My condolence to you and your family during this time. I'm sorry to hear of the death of your father."

Barbara & John Hartley wrote on Sep 15, 2009:

"Dearest Enid, Bruce, Charles and Melly Our sincere sympathy to you all on the passing of your dad. We thank him for the amazing travel he gave our Mother and making her life more comfortable. He was a generous man and helped so many people. He is fondly remembered and was a true legend. May his soul RIP. Love Barb and John."

Mark Mulder wrote on Sep 15, 2009:

"Dear Uncle Farley I am so sad we never got to see you again,but that photograph of you,that Granny had, in the cockpit of a Dakota,arm out the window,with your shades on, is the one burnt into my memory since I was a little boy. You were a Legend,and certainly inspired my brothers and I,thank you! We send all our love to Aunt Enid,Bruce,Charles,Melly and their families in what is a very sad time! Mark and Andrea"

Wayne Hartley wrote on Sep 15, 2009:

"Pilot, adventurer, International man of mystery. Uncle Farley was all of them to us cousins. I will never forget the time we spent on the banks of the Zambezi River in 1985 with Uncle Farley. For a young chap of 13 it was like being on the set of 'Jewel of the Nile' (Zambezi) without all the Skop, Skiet and donner (special effects for the americans). What a life to celebrate, people will talk of him for years, I know I still do. Love Wayne and Catherine"

Erica Sifuentes wrote on Sep 15, 2009:

"I cannot put into words how lucky I feel to have had the opportunity to meet this great man. Karen you are in my prayers, and I hope that knowing he is "home", and the wonderful memories you two shared get's you through this rough time. Now every time I look at my African Figures I will think of Mr Winson! Love you dearly Karen."

Robert Skaife wrote on Sep 15, 2009:

"Karen, Please accept my condolences at the loss of Eric. I met you and him in Santa Fe when you were with Ryan Skaife a couple of years ago. I am Ryan's uncle and know that he considers the two of you extremely close and role models. Eric's life will continue through others. Sincerely, Robert Skaife Uncle Bob"

Polly and Jerry Hagee wrote on Sep 14, 2009:

"What a special man. WE had only known him a few weeks, but he had such a sweet spirit, he won our hearts immediately. We only wish there had been more times to be with him and to get to know him more. Karen our prayers are forever with you and for you. Love POLLY AND JERRY"

Todd Cearley wrote on Sep 14, 2009:

"Eric was a very special friend. Karen he was so blessed by having you by his side. May God comfort you and the family as only He can. Love, Todd & Laurie"

Nelda Huggins wrote on Sep 14, 2009:

"We were blessed to have known Eric even for the short time but it felt like we'd known him & you,Karen forever. Only wish there had been more time to have known him & heard his stories of the Africa, he loved. Karen, my heart is reaching out to you in heartfelt sympathy and prayer. Love & hugs, Chuck and Nelda Huggins from the Worship Center in Boerne, TX."

Jennifer Lindahl Staniec wrote on Sep 14, 2009:

"My prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Farley was an extraordinary man who embraced life as an adventure, whether on a small farm in TN or a game preserve in Africa. May his legacy inspire all of us to live our dreams. God Bless. Jenn"

Fleur Teare wrote on Sep 13, 2009:

"Eric, thank you for our three wonderful children - Gary, Errol and Gayle - and thank you also for the few happy years we shared together. Rest in peace and hopefully now you can share time and be with our very precious son, Errol. Karen, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Love FLEUR"

"Daughter" - Gayle Winson wrote on Sep 13, 2009:

"Our Darling Dad - We will always love and miss you - thanks for the wonderful memories of times we shared together. Now you are out of pain and suffering and the angels can bring you home to Africa where you always longed to be. Each phone call you kept telling me you're coming home soon, well now your dreams are reality. Rest in peace Dad - love, strength, and peace to all the family - Gary, Errol and Gayle xxx"

Ryan Charles Du Preez Winson wrote on Sep 13, 2009:

"Darling Grandad - I"m glad you know I got my wings - Thanks for the 'flying blood' - I love you - Ryan"

Ross Brian Winson wrote on Sep 13, 2009:

"Dear Grandad - You are and always will be a legend - thanks for the memories especially in the bush in Tanzania - Love you - Ross (your Buffel)"

Sarah Murphy wrote on Sep 13, 2009:

"Dear Karen, Pat and I feel honored to have met you both, through our struggles. Eric was a very magnetic person, and I wish we could have listened to more of his stories of Africa. He was so lucky to have you by his side..you are a beautiful and kind woman, and I know you will miss him. Please email me, or call to tell me how you are. Love, Sarah Murphy"

Wayne Riggien wrote on Sep 13, 2009:

"Dearest Family especially Aunty Enid, Bruce, Charles and Mellie, our sincere condolences for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you, Wayne, Jakki, Joshy and Gracie."

Manuel A. Tezanos wrote on Sep 12, 2009:

"Mr. Winson always facinated me as a young man with his unique outlook on life. He made a life long impression on me. My condolences to the family especially to Bruce. God Bless"

Patricia Winson wrote on Sep 12, 2009:

"On behalf of Henry's line of the family, I wish to extend sincere condolences to Eric's family. Memories of visits to the farm at Figtree where Uncle Charlie, Aunt Roma and Eric lived are rekindled at a time like this. Eric's life was never dull and would have made a fascinating book. His passing marks the sad end of an era."

Paul Roberts wrote on Sep 12, 2009:

"Special condolences to Aunt Fleur and Aunt Enid. It is heart-warming to see how close Eric's families remain; in fact they are one family."

Alan Roberts wrote on Sep 12, 2009:

"To my Dear Extended Family; It is always sad to loose a loved one and I pray that God will strengthen and comfort all of you in your loss. With much love, Alan"

Ruth W. Miller wrote on Sep 12, 2009:

"My condolences go out to the family of Eric Winson. Any man should be so lucky to have lived a life so full of adventure, with the love of so many surrounding him with care and grace. His legacy will live on. May God bless you, Ruth"