Marc P. "Ted" Winters passed peacefully to his Heavenly home, Tuesday evening August 26, 2008 in Salem, Ore. surrounded by the love of his family and friends. He had fought the good fight but his earthly body was assaulted by pancreatic cancer and other health complications and all who knew and loved him rest assured that his Savior Jesus Christ welcomed him with open arms. Ted was born August 3, 1924 in Capa S.D. to Frank M. and Sarah (Rea) Winters. He is preceded in death by both parents and all of his siblings, brothers Cliff, Paul and Ray Winters and sister, Darlene Harris. Survivors who cherish his memory and celebrate his life include his wife, Jackie of Salem; son, Marc Andrew Winters of Amboy, Wash.; daughter, Theresa Flores of Kennewick, Wash.; stepsons and their spouses, Anthony McClain of Portland, Marlon (Manette) McClain of Corvallis, Bill (Pam) McClain of Salem and Brian (Nikki) McClain of Bend; six granddaughters; five grandsons; and three great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews also survive him. "Walk in harmony with me was the voice I heard, God condemns no one who begins, where he is, to walk toward the light. Though we fall a thousand times, His love forgives. Be no harder on yourself than God is." These words are from the program of hope and redemption that formed the basis for Ted's transformation and reformation beginning in 1963. Ten years later, in his early Christmas pardon of Ted, then Governor Tom McCall noted "no individual has given stronger proof of reformation than Marc P. Winters". His unique transformation from a life of crime to the Governor's aide, made a positive difference in the lives of thousands nationally and internationally. Ted was one of the first participants in a prison work-release program when he became McCall's aide. In 1968, he joined the staff of the state's Office of Economic Opportunity, eventually serving as director of that antipoverty agency. He helped to establish the Housing Division which later became the Oregon Housing and community 'services Department. He assisted in the creation of the Oregon Department of Human Resources and served as the Governor's liaison to the city of Portland during one of Oregon's worst snow storms, to the Model Cities Program and to the Albina Multiservice Center. His service as State Ombudsman for Governors McCall and Bob Straub was highlighted by his work establishing ombudsman programs for Nursing Homes which became Oregon's Long Term Ombudsman and Corrections. Ted met and married Jackie McClain June 19, 1971 in Salem, Oregon, becoming an instant father to 4 boys. His favorite pastimes were camping, fishing, family Bar-B-Q's and visiting the island of St. Marten. Whether on the Santiam or Metolius Rivers or in the pristine Steen Mountains, Ted and his family all enjoyed the opportunities for peaceful strengthening of their love and energy. He founded MAJAC Institute and New Life Christian Network, Inc. a post-prison ministry for which he served as executive director. From 1985 to 2002 he and Jackie fed "Jackie's Ribs" to thousands of Oregonians, Californians and Nevadans in their restaurants and cook-offs. An author whose published works included short stories as well as two autobiographical books Never Kill Lions and Lifer, Ted was working on a third book at the time of his death. A memorial service honoring his life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2008 in the Senate Chambers at the State Capitol in Salem, with a reception immediately following on the second floor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in the name of Marc "Ted" Winters to either of the following non-profit organizations: Family Building Blocks, 2425 Lancaster Dr. NE. Salem, OR 97305, www. Familybuildingblocks.org. Family Building Blocks is a child abuse prevention program serving high risk children and their families in the mid-Valley area or the Yatima Group Fund, 891 23rd St. NE. Salem, OR 97301. The Yatima Group Fund helps care for children who have been orphaned in Tanzania because of HIV/AIDS. Several local physicians volunteer with the program. Arrangements are by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.

Published in StatesmanJournal on Aug. 31, 2008