John Raymond Winks

The River of Life flows over the edge of the waterfall. A droplet is born. It falls its entire life's journey seemingly separate. Upon entering the pool below it is reunited. 

John Raymond Winks Jr. completed his earthly journey, of 74 years, on February 16, 2025, at 8 PM. His hand was being held and the Bible being read as he passed peacefully. 

He was preceded in death by his father, John Raymond Winks Sr.; mother, Mariam Goen Kelley; and brother, Benjamin Leo Winks. 

He is survived by his love, Catherine Lambert; son, Tristan Winks; stepson, Devon Costello; brother, James Winks; Tristan's mother, Pamela Biery; and his devoted 14 year old pug, Angelo.

John was born in Iowa and raised in Altadena, CA. He attended Flintridge Prep High School, USC, UCLA and graduated from the University of Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts in Literature. 

Living in the Bay Area with a lively community of friends, he took up house painting to make a living, while pursuing his primary interest, being with his first love, Ryan Phelan and playing guitar. Being a participant of the sixties, he was not overly materialistic or career driven.

Later he discovered and moved to a spiritual community living and developing a vineyard in the Sierra foothills.

Here he married Pamela Biery, and they had their son, Tristan. They developed a small horse ranch for themselves as he continued his contracting and musical passions. He built a number of houses in this community of Oregon House. 

He introduced his aging mother to this rural community and she lived there for the rest of her life in the houses he built for her. 

John relocated again to the Bay Area with Tristan and created family with Robin Costello and her son, Devon. He was delighted to have another love, another son, and for Tristan to have a brother.

After many years, he returned to Oregon House to care for his mother, Mariam, until she passed. 

John was instrumental in working to create the local Farmer's Market, where he played guitar on Saturdays for many years. 

And here, Tristan has cared for his father until he recently passed.

John was a kind and sensitive man. His music and smile will be missed. Rest in peace, John.

Please come together to remember and celebrate the life of John Winks at the Dobbins Grange, 9765 Marysville Rd, Dobbins, CA, on Sunday, March 30, 2025, from 1 to 3 PM. We welcome all who knew and loved him.