Edwin E. Burke III

From his birth place of Salt Lake City, Utah, Winn, as a small child, had to endure a year of recovering from polio. His varied interests took him to working at the U.S. National Parks Service at a number of parks, including Yellowstone.

Following his graduation from California State University, Long Beach with a Masters in Education, Winn joined the fledgling ceramics department at Sheridan College, School of Craft (and Design) in 1972. His impact over 38 years was acknowledged with him being awarded Sheridan's first, Professor Emeritus. Along side others, Winn helped to create Toronto's Harbourfront Centre from 1973-1974.

Above all else, Winn loved to travel and to follow various trails allowing him to further research ceramic practice, ceramic history and technique. This took him to over 16 countries across the globe from China to Iran and beyond. He very much enjoyed documenting finds with his travelling camera, lighting and tripod kit and many rolls of Kodachrome. Those pictures were then shared, together with his stories, all sourced from his first-person narrative. One of his weaknesses was his love for Mexico, where he spoiled himself with a beachside home. His fluency in Spanish allowed him to socialize and enjoy his time there. His great friend Mark Iymans would join him in Mexico and continue as a great support for Winn as his health deteriorated.

Together with Winn's close friend Barbara Wendel, Winn passed in his home filled with the various treasures that defined his life. His life that was full of variety, full of colour, full of history and full of memories.

Winn is predeceased by his loving sister, Carolyn; father, Edwin Elgin Burke; mother, Helen Adeline Young; and life partner Trudi Agnes Greenway.

While being outgoing, Winn was quite private, not celebrating birthdays, retirement or his passing. We thank everyone who had their part in filling up Winn's life.

Winn asked that donations in his memory be made to Guiding Eyes for the Blind, http://www.guidingeyes.org.

“Never question the truth of what you fail to understand, for the world is filled with wonders.”

- F Buechne

Please share any memories or insights on Winn in the comments below.