Obituary

Winston S. Carter, educator and author, died at the age of 86 on March 7, 2022, of natural causes. Winston’s commitment to education was a lifelong journey, which took him around the world. Born in San Diego, California, on Aug. 24, 1935, to Fred E. and Rosadele Carter, he was the youngest of four boys. He graduated from Julian High School, where he showed an early aptitude for history. He obtained a bachelor’s degree at San Diego State University before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1955. He was stationed with the 10th Mountain Division in Germany, and was honorably discharged in 1958, and went on to obtain his Master of Arts in History in 1962 from the University of California, Berkeley. Winston worked for more than 35 years with the U.S. Department of Defense Dependent Schools, primarily teaching social studies, at Frankfurt American High School, Nuremberg American High School and Vicenza American High School. After he retired, he settled in Bellingham in 1995, where he worked with Western Washington University’s Academy of Lifelong Learning. Those who knew him knew the pursuit of knowledge was his life’s blood, and it showed in the popularity of his classes and lectures. He spent the better part of his later years writing and publishing his book, “Guernica: The Wound In The Heart.” In his final days, he finished his second book on the origins of World War I. The book will be published posthumously in early 2023.

Fiercely independent, Winston was father to two daughters, who he raised by himself at a time when it was unheard of for men to take on such a role. He encouraged his daughters to be independent and pursue their creative passions. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his beloved books, pictures of his life partner, the late Mary Margaret Montag, with his two daughters holding his hands.

He is survived by his daughters, Chelsea Carter of Washington state, and Brittany Sekulic (Mirko) of California, as well as a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his life partner, Mary Margaret Montag; three brothers, Donald, Stanton and Burton; and his parents.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 20, from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at the Squalicum Boathouse at Zuanich Point Park, 2600 N. Harbor Loop, Bellingham, Washington. Masks will be required. Burial at Bayview Cemetery is private.

A scholarship in Winston’s name has been established at Western Washington University to help an aspiring historian who plans to pursue a career in education. Donations to help fund the scholarship may be made to the Winston S. Carter Memorial Scholarship Fund online at foundation.wwu.edu/CarterScholarship. Or you can make a donation by mail: Western Washington University Foundation, 516 High St., MS9034, Bellingham WA 98225. Please put “Winston S. Carter Memorial Scholarship” in the memo line of your check.