Former CIL Executive Director Michael Winter has passed away.

The Staff, Board and extended CIL family mourn the loss of former Director Michael Winter, who died Thursday at his Washington DC-area home. Our hearts are with his wife, Atsuko, and his beloved son, Taka, during this sad time. 

Michael was a husband, a father, a son, a civil rights activist, a friend, a director of an agency in the federal bureaucracy.... and of course a Bears fan. We celebrate his legacy, but our greater community will feel this loss deeply. He was an early and important leader, not only of CIL, but of the emerging Independent Living movement.  We will keep the public informed about plans to memorialize Michael’s life and career at CIL's headquarters at the Ed Roberts Campus.

Comments

[Joan Leon]

The sad news of Michael's passing was posted on the “CIL Oldtimers” list on Friday and many people quickly replied with expressions of sympathy and remembrances of Michael, with whom they worked and socialized during their CIL days and beyond. As the current “keeper” of the list, I've circulated information about how to reach Michael's family directly, and suggested to people that they post comments on this site and ohotos on CIL's Facebook page.

I'm a fundraiser by trade so most admired Michael's accomplishments in raising public awareness about CIL's work and attracting a greater amount of private sector support. He was a great leader of CIL.

Joan Leon (my email if you'd like to be added to the CIL Oldtimers list is Joan.leon1@gmail.com)

Here are a few of the comments I received immediately after I sent out the email.

Rest in peace, Michael

When I first met Michael, he was young, brash and completely dedicated to the struggle of people with disabilities for dignity and independence.  He was obviously very smart and political, but he was a bit out there in his tactics, and this led to some disagreements among us.  He founded or became the leader of the disabled liberation front, and began speaking at BART meetings and calling demonstrations.  One particularly notable one was in response to the beating of blind demonstrators seeking employment opportunities in India.  It was an excellent action, but some of the picket signs were a little wild.
Very quickly, Michael developed into an experienced and credible leader.  He did not deal in infighting, and he genuinely cared about building the movement in all possible ways.  He was what we used to call in the old days a “hearty fellow well met.” He would drape his arm around you, ask you to do something, and then tell you something that would send you into the giggles.  His eyes sparkled when he smiled, I guess his whole face smiled.  He was always very complimentary when something was done right, and encouraging and supportive.
It was a joy to see Michael attack the issue of transportation.  He became very knowledgeable and served the disability community in many ways, on the local level and then for quite a long time at the national level, sometimes maneuvering to get things done, and they got done.

I remember when he and Atsuko got married; they were such a happy and cute couple and they built a beautiful life together.  When Tak joined the family, I was very impressed with the way they raised him, keeping him in touch with Atsuko’s family and nourishing his cultural roots.  He was so proud of Tak, and always wanted to share some story about him, and always asked me about my son, when I would call him to ask him for money. 

Michael was a kind, generous soul and I think we will all miss him.

Kitty Cone

Michael was a great spirit.  I am sure you have seen the new-ish documentary on disability rights LIVES WORTH LIVING.  Michael's account of the capitol crawl is one of the highlights of the film.  My students are completely disarmed by his humor and passion.

Vicki Lewis