Darren Scott Winger
On behalf of the Regional Services Branch, we are seeking a meaningful way to honour Darren Scott Winger. We invite you to use this space to share your memories, messages for his family, and any photos you may have. Together, these contributions will help us create a heartfelt tribute that reflects Darren’s impact on our workplace and his many contributions to the Ontario Public Service.
Obituary
It is with deep sorrow that we share that our beloved Darren, adored husband of Lori Newton and second dad to “the boys,” Oliver, Andrew and Jeremy, left our world suddenly on October 21, 2025. Darren also leaves his brother, Kim Winger (and Gisele), and sister, Jill Monforton. He is predeceased by his parents Donald and Lois Winger.
While Darren’s public achievements, countless awards and community service are legend, he deeply loved his family, his friends, his cats and his dogs. He was proud of his boys and their accomplishments and was deeply devoted to his wife — sharing her achievements for cycling with pride. He loved to cycle and was deeply rooted in his community. His impact on the city and the region through a lifetime of volunteering and an almost 25-year career with the Ontario Government, was immeasurable. A Windsor boy with vision and heart, Darren believed Ontario could always be better — a place to live fully, to love deeply, and to celebrate through tourism, culture, and sport. He was a builder of bridges, a believer in people, a champion of teamwork, creativity, and innovation. From Windsor to Toronto, and every community in between, his energy, insight, and optimism helped shape sustainable growth and belonging. He made those around him feel valued and capable — because he truly saw the best in everyone.
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November 4, 2025
Darren was a kind and generous soul - always with a smile, and an absolute pleasure to work with. I had the opportunity to do so over the past number of years as Co-Chairs of our Ministry's Employee Relations Committee and I truly looked forward to my interactions with Darren and the meetings - he was always willing to work together, and genuinely cared about the employees and the members. I am grateful that I got to see Darren the day before he passed -we met for a pint at the Duke after work, talked shop for a bit, caught up, he took a selfie of us that we '...had to send to Marie' and he gave me a big hug before I had to leave. He will be truly missed by all of his many friends and colleagues in the Ministry.
My sincerest condolences to Lori and Family - thinking of you during this difficult time but hope it brings you some comfort to know how loved Darren was by so many.
Erin
My sincerest condolences to Lori and Family - thinking of you during this difficult time but hope it brings you some comfort to know how loved Darren was by so many.
Erin
November 3, 2025
I've missed working with Darren in the last year or since he transitioned to Tourism. I understood why he shifted from community to tourism - he embodied tourism in so many ways.
My clearest and dearest memory of working with Darren was on a brand new funding program. We were coming off some intense times with pandemic pay and working from home during covid. The working group with Darren spent many extra hours getting this program off the ground and making it work. I've never had such an intense work experience where all of us felt like everything was at stake. That launch was a great moment and we all felt it. Darren was instrumental in bringing his knowledge and experience into the many many conversations. He would challenge us to think and he would challenge the ministry to do better. It was going above and beyond on so many levels. It was an intense couple of months that bonded that group and allowed us to succeed. I think it also solidified our relationship and expertise in the eyes of the ministry. The ministry recognized our value and expertise because Darren didn't hold back on all we had to offer. It's with thanks to him and the working group for being the epitome of teamwork and even though it wasn't easy, we all benefited from the experience.
He could relate to anyone no matter where they were from. He found common ground and offered opportunities for you to learn from his experiences. He was generous with his knowledge and I'm grateful for all that I learned from Darren. I will truly miss him. We didn't always agree but I really enjoyed every conversation we had.
My clearest and dearest memory of working with Darren was on a brand new funding program. We were coming off some intense times with pandemic pay and working from home during covid. The working group with Darren spent many extra hours getting this program off the ground and making it work. I've never had such an intense work experience where all of us felt like everything was at stake. That launch was a great moment and we all felt it. Darren was instrumental in bringing his knowledge and experience into the many many conversations. He would challenge us to think and he would challenge the ministry to do better. It was going above and beyond on so many levels. It was an intense couple of months that bonded that group and allowed us to succeed. I think it also solidified our relationship and expertise in the eyes of the ministry. The ministry recognized our value and expertise because Darren didn't hold back on all we had to offer. It's with thanks to him and the working group for being the epitome of teamwork and even though it wasn't easy, we all benefited from the experience.
He could relate to anyone no matter where they were from. He found common ground and offered opportunities for you to learn from his experiences. He was generous with his knowledge and I'm grateful for all that I learned from Darren. I will truly miss him. We didn't always agree but I really enjoyed every conversation we had.
November 3, 2025
1
In Loving Memory of Darren Winger
From my earliest days on the Regional Services Team, Darren Winger stood out as a mentor and trusted advisor. I still remember our first in-person training session, where he and Caitlin presented on partnerships and stakeholder relations. Darren’s deep connection to his community and his ability to link problems to solutions—often in the most unexpected ways—left a lasting impression. Many of us felt overwhelmed, wondering how we could ever live up to that standard of Community Economic Development. I remember thinking, “When I grow up, I want to be just like Darren.” I was inspired by his work and by how deeply he cared for his community.
From that moment on, Darren was always at the top of my list of seasoned RDAs to reach out to. He never hesitated to take my call, respond to a Teams message, or answer an email—no matter how big, small, or even ridiculous my question might have been. His generosity and patience were unmatched.
Just before I left for vacation in October, he called me—he was working through some new program processes, and I offered to help, teasing him that the “grasshopper” was now training the master. We chuckled, but I also knew I was a very long way off from catching up to Darren’s knowledge and experience. Still, he let me have that moment to tease him, and that was so Darren—gracious, encouraging, and always supportive.
I had the pleasure of working alongside Darren on the Learning Curriculum Committee, where we shared a passion for continuous learning and helping our colleagues shine. I’m forever grateful for the time we spent together in person during our working sessions in Kitchener. Our team dinner was filled with stories and laughter—memories I keep returning to as I process this tremendous loss.
One of our final exchanges was in September, when we caught up after his vacation with his family. Darren had such a glow—his happiness was radiant as he shared stories from his time off. His love and pride for his family were always at the forefront of our conversations, and it was clear how much joy they brought him.
The last Teams message I received from Darren was on Monday, October 20th: “Are you in office today? On a train heading to Toronto for a few days… at 400 later today…” I read that message every day. What I wouldn’t give for one more opportunity to meet up with Darren in person, to share stories and laughs over pints.
I extend my deepest condolences to Darren’s family, friends, community, and our beloved colleagues. May you find peace and joy in the memories and carry Darren forever in your hearts.
“What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” — Helen Keller
Forever grateful to have learned and laughed with Darren.
With deepest sympathy,
Tiffenni Wilkinson
From my earliest days on the Regional Services Team, Darren Winger stood out as a mentor and trusted advisor. I still remember our first in-person training session, where he and Caitlin presented on partnerships and stakeholder relations. Darren’s deep connection to his community and his ability to link problems to solutions—often in the most unexpected ways—left a lasting impression. Many of us felt overwhelmed, wondering how we could ever live up to that standard of Community Economic Development. I remember thinking, “When I grow up, I want to be just like Darren.” I was inspired by his work and by how deeply he cared for his community.
From that moment on, Darren was always at the top of my list of seasoned RDAs to reach out to. He never hesitated to take my call, respond to a Teams message, or answer an email—no matter how big, small, or even ridiculous my question might have been. His generosity and patience were unmatched.
Just before I left for vacation in October, he called me—he was working through some new program processes, and I offered to help, teasing him that the “grasshopper” was now training the master. We chuckled, but I also knew I was a very long way off from catching up to Darren’s knowledge and experience. Still, he let me have that moment to tease him, and that was so Darren—gracious, encouraging, and always supportive.
I had the pleasure of working alongside Darren on the Learning Curriculum Committee, where we shared a passion for continuous learning and helping our colleagues shine. I’m forever grateful for the time we spent together in person during our working sessions in Kitchener. Our team dinner was filled with stories and laughter—memories I keep returning to as I process this tremendous loss.
One of our final exchanges was in September, when we caught up after his vacation with his family. Darren had such a glow—his happiness was radiant as he shared stories from his time off. His love and pride for his family were always at the forefront of our conversations, and it was clear how much joy they brought him.
The last Teams message I received from Darren was on Monday, October 20th: “Are you in office today? On a train heading to Toronto for a few days… at 400 later today…” I read that message every day. What I wouldn’t give for one more opportunity to meet up with Darren in person, to share stories and laughs over pints.
I extend my deepest condolences to Darren’s family, friends, community, and our beloved colleagues. May you find peace and joy in the memories and carry Darren forever in your hearts.
“What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” — Helen Keller
Forever grateful to have learned and laughed with Darren.
With deepest sympathy,
Tiffenni Wilkinson
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. Should you wish, donations in his honour may be made to the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
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