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Karl Winter, Class of '51

Posted by stephanie rogers on October 29, 2021 in News

Karl Winter
Class of ā€˜51

The second in three generations of the Winter family, to attend NSAC, passed away this summer, but not before leaving a significant impact on the agricultural industry, around the globe - through his career and volunteer commitments. He also left a great impact on his family.

Dr. Karl Winter (Class of ā€™51) was 92 at the time of his passing.

Following in his fathersā€™ footsteps (Thomas, Class of 1922), Karl attended NSAC before continuing his studies at MacDonald College, McGill University and finally, earning his PhD at Ohio State. He spent a fulfilling career as a research scientist at the Charlottetown Research Station, with the federal government, until his retirement.

ā€œHe loved his work,ā€ said son, Chris (Class of ā€™89). ā€œHis career took him around the world as he enjoyed temporary placements in Ireland and Ottawa, as well as Nova Scotia.ā€ Karlā€™s research speciality was in the area of animal nutrition, beef and dairy specifically.

ā€œOf all dadā€™s accomplishments, his greatest was being a man of the highest integrity,ā€ said Chris. ā€œHe had no patience for people who could not keep their word.ā€

Married for 63 years, a father to three and grandfather to four, Karl was most proud of his family.

ā€œIn hindsight, my best memory is my dadā€™s parenting style. Which let us, as kids, sometimes fail,ā€ Chris reflects. ā€œThere was no helicopter parenting. But he was always there to help you pick up the pieces and learn from your mistakes.Ā Growing up on a small Nova Scotia farm will instill that sense of self reliance in you!ā€

Secondly, Karl took great pride in his volunteer work.

Karl devoted his spare time as board member and president of ā€˜Farmers Helping Farmersā€™, a local volunteer group travelling to and assisting African farming communities in need. ā€œMy father loved that a small volunteer organization from Canadaā€™s smallest province could have such a big impact by being hands on and not just raising money.ā€

Through Farmers Helping Farmers Karl travelled to Africa to be on the ground, at the villages helping set-up and teach to run whatever equipment the group determined would best help the local farming villages. ā€œPositively affecting the lives of peoples not as fortunate as Canadians gave dad great satisfaction,ā€ said Chris.

Throughout his career and into retirement, Karl also spent time volunteering with other community and professional groups including the Professional Agrologist Association.

ā€œOur dad had a positive impact on every group he worked with.ā€

Thus, leaving a special place in the heart of many and a mark on the agricultural industry.