Winston Lee “Win” Stebbins

Winston Lee “Win” Stebbins, of Lansing and Harbor Springs, died peacefully on April 5, 2026, in Haslett, Michigan, surrounded by family. He was 82.

Win was born on October 1, 1943, in Lansing to C. Rowland Stebbins (“Rolly”) and Virginia Elizabeth Buckles. From an early age, he developed the curiosity, adventurous spirit, and quiet competence that would define his life.

He graduated from Lansing Sexton High School in 1961 and went on to earn his degree from the University of Colorado in 1966. Some of his most cherished memories came from his college years, when he served on the National Ski Patrol at Loveland Basin. He often spoke of the thrill of skiing down Loveland Pass—11,991 feet—under a full moon. Skiing remained a lifelong passion, later leading him to serve on the Ski Patrol and as President of the Lansing Ski Club.

Growing up, Win traveled extensively throughout the United States with his father and brothers, visiting the highest point in each of the 48 contiguous states. In 1962, he completed this remarkable journey as the fifth person known to have done so—an achievement that reflected both endurance and a love of exploration.

After college, Win attended Officer Training School and served in the U.S. Army, including a year in Vietnam, attaining the rank of Lieutenant. Returning home, he applied his engineering degree to a distinguished 39-year career with the Michigan Department of Transportation. He served as a manager in Environmental Engineering, Transportation Planning, and Design, and was especially proud of his contributions to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

Ever curious and adventurous, Win once managed to arrange several weeks away from work early in his MDOT career to travel through South America. His journey included water skiing on the Amazon River, relaxing on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, and skiing in the Andes Mountains of Argentina—before meeting his youngest brother, Kenyon, and Kenyon’s future wife, Susan, on the equator in Ecuador.

An Eagle Scout, Win carried Scouting’s values throughout his life. His sense of service, practicality, and quiet leadership showed in countless ways: organizing his Okemos subdivision’s first curbside recycling program; volunteering at WKAR-TV during membership drives and chairing the TV Auction; serving on the board of the Community Circle Players and helping guide its transition from the Okemos Barn Theater to the Riverwalk Theatre. In retirement, his deep love of history led him to serve on the board of the Harbor Springs Historical Society.

Above all places, Win’s heart belonged to the family cottage at Roaring Brook, built in 1902 on the shores of Little Traverse Bay near Harbor Springs. There, he found joy in swimming off the “Big Dock,” sailing, water skiing, searching for beach glass, and listening to the waves at night. His final ritual each evening was to walk down and say “good night” to the bay—a quiet moment that captured his deep connection to the place he loved most.

Win is survived by his daughter, Allison (Jason) Weakly; his son, Adam (Natalie) Stebbins; and granddaughter, Isabelle Weakly. He is also survived by his brothers, Malcolm (Jamila Boulima) Stebbins and Kenyon (Susan Lyman) Stebbins; former wives, Laura Stebbins and Lille Foster; and numerous cousins and friends, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

Throughout his life, Win was a devoted member of Plymouth Congregational Church, singing in the choir from an early age and later serving as Deacon and Trustee. Following the church’s dissolution, he joined The People’s Church, where he found comfort in familiar friendships and community.

The family is profoundly grateful to the staff at Brookdale Meridian and Hospice of Lansing for the warmth, dignity, and loving care they provided to Win.

Win’s enthusiasm for life, family, and friendship will be celebrated at The Peoples Church in East Lansing on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 1pm, with the Reverend Dr. Shawnthea Monroe officiating. The service will be streamed live on The Peoples Church of East Lansing YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/live/szL764DNTe0). A second remembrance will take place “up north” this summer, when his ashes will be shared among his favorite places. Arrangements are by Estes-Leadley Funeral Home, Lansing.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Win’s honor to the Capital Area District Library or the Harbor Springs Historical Society PO Box 812, Harbor Springs, MI 49740). Please indicate “In memory of Win Stebbins” on any gifts.