ForeverMissed
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Winston Shipman was born to Elsie and Herman Shipman in Indianapolis, Indiana,on February 27, 1948 and unexpectedly died on September 26, 2015. Winston joyfully lived every moment of his sixty seven years. He attended The Orchard School, Pike Township High School and Purdue University graduating in 1971. He had a career in hospitality and recently retired leaving a lasting impression and smile on the face of all who knew him.

He is survived by his father, Herman Shipman and extended family members. His memory will live on through his life long best friend, Jack Silver and Jack's wife and children, his Godchildren, golf buddies and those who served along side him at The Lakeway World of Tennis, The Courtyard Restaurant, The Four Seasons Hotel in Austin, Word of Mouth Catering as well as others he positively affected throughout his life. He enjoyed many walks around Lady Bird Lake leaving a path of laughter for others to follow.

A celebration of Winston's life will be held Sunday, November 15 from 2-6 at Word of Mouth Catering, 1106 South 1st Street, Austin, Texas, in the only way Winston would have wanted it: A PARTY!! Although our hearts are broken, the laughter will be shared at this Celebration.

Please leave your best Winston story on the story page. Submissions will be collected and presented at his memorial celebration. 

Please RSVP by leaving a note/tribute in the section below.

~Friends and Family of Winston

Tributes

Leave a tribute
Rebecca Borrelli
September 26, 2021
September 26, 2021
I met Winston at the end of his life in 2011 after I took a serving job at the Four Seasons. We became friends and began walking the Town Lake trail every Sunday. I loved his stories and advice. He had a way of imparting wisdom without patronizing. He had a way of teasing while making you feel so special.

I had a dream early on in our friendship we were flying over the night skies in Texas. I teased him and said we must be astral travelers. Well, Winston got a kick out that. He teased about it often. He'd call me hippy girl, and told me when he died he was going to "haunt my ass" while I was "peeing in the bathroom." I used to joke he better be nice to me, because when he died I'd be one of the few down here in the earth plane listening to him.

The day after he passed in 2015 was a rough one for me. I remember the song Tuesdays Gone by Lynyrd Skynyrd came on. It made me think of him, although I wasn't terribly sure if he even liked that song. I found myself imagining he would have. And then I began laughing through tears, because the entire train of thought was happening as I peed in the bathroom. I really think Winston is constantly visiting his loved ones in hysterical ways. Cheers to him and you all on this day. I feel lucky to have known him, even for only a short time. I hope you feel close to him today and always.
Steve Kluber
September 26, 2021
September 26, 2021
I worked with Winston at both Sardine Rouge and the Four Seasons. Winston was always fun to be around and excellent at everything he did. I loved his sense of humor and he was always unselfish, generous and thoughtful. I think of Winston and he always makes me smile at what a joy he was to be around. I wish the world had more Winstons.
Steve Kluber
Richard Heinichen
November 14, 2015
November 14, 2015
I loved Winston. I worked with him and Silver at Lakeway inn, The Alpenhoff, the Snortyard,(courtyard) and lived next door,on the lake, when I moved here in 1978. He showed me how to sail while drinking. Even though he stole my wife I remained his friend,another of his many funny stories. I love Winston.
Liz Silver
November 13, 2015
November 13, 2015
Friends of Winston Shipman, the time to celebrate and remember this wonderful, funny, special guy is almost here! It looks like the weather forecast is improving, temperature in the high 70's and only a small chance of rain but may drizzle a little. The venue is a house with several large decks so prepare to be inside and outside (the beer and wine will be on the deck).
Parking is somewhat limited so please carpool and if you need to leave early let someone know so we can try to not block you in. There is street parking on Copeland and South 2nd and Gibson Street. Looking forward to seeing everyone and sharing sweet memories!
Rob Hagelberg
November 9, 2015
November 9, 2015
Winston was a treasure and had a way of making people feel special.  I enjoyed knowing him and am privileged to have had him as a colleague.  I will be there to celebrate his life.
Bryan Gardner
November 9, 2015
November 9, 2015
Winston was such a wonderful man and it was an honor to work with him. I will be at the event on 11/15.
Christina Lee
November 2, 2015
November 2, 2015
I will be there. Winston always had a story to share with me.
greg shead
October 24, 2015
October 24, 2015
Dependable , caring, mischievous, thoughtful and above else a good friend and average at best golfer:):):) He's joining many good friends at the 19th hole after posting a 59 on the pearly immaculate course. Wouldn't miss the tribute for all the tea in China.
Elmar Prambs
October 18, 2015
October 18, 2015
There is/was only one WINSTON,a true Character,caring and genuine maybe at times sarcastic,but with a huge Heart,l will miss you very much,Golf will never be the same without you,HOPE That you are in a better Place, So Sad Mary,Martin Sarah and Elmar. There will be two of us there on the 15th.
Willie Warrenburg
October 17, 2015
October 17, 2015
We didn't know Winston as well as many - but what we took away from our every encounter was his spirit - sunshine, love, joy and humor. He touched our lives in a way that we didn't realize until after he was gone. We'll be there to send him on his next journey with all the love he showed everyone in his life. Julie & Willie
Debby Carter
October 16, 2015
October 16, 2015
I will be there. I look forward to sharing memories. I love you Winston. Debby
Lisa Alhades
October 15, 2015
October 15, 2015
Winston,those who knew you will be forever richer for your humor and witty sarcastic remarks. Sue Nelson and I will be there with our waiter shoes on!
Cynthia Whitaker
October 13, 2015
October 13, 2015
I remember Winston from Lakeway World of Tennis, in the mid 70's. I loved his sense of humor, and stories. Our dear friend, Nikki, used to call him Winnie Pooh Bear! What fun we had!! May his sweet kind soul rest in peace. I will be there.
danny sheffer
October 11, 2015
October 11, 2015
well, Winston and i ran around a lot,...... i think it was the senior year and then after for a while ...i remember Winston and i taking a friend of mine [Bill Johnson) to the ....i think it was called the Red Garter? on hwy 52 in Indianapolis, on Bills 21st b day. They had a comedian their ......as i recall name George ...i think that may have been the last time i saw Winston...I tracked him down a couple years ago by phone and talked to him...was just trying to stay in-touch....we always had a good time a some laughs ..... and from what i read here ..he was like by everyone through out hes life......as i might have imagined.
i wish we would have stayed in touch better....
Dan Walker
October 7, 2015
October 7, 2015
Remembering all the good times growing up with you, to many to count, Will miss you old friend. REST IN PEACE.
Lynn Zapffe
October 5, 2015
October 5, 2015
My husband Carl thought so much of Winston. I only met him a few times at Trio, but he was so friendly and his face lit up when he talked about golf! Carl and I will be attending the celebration of Winston's life.
Blaine Horton
October 4, 2015
October 4, 2015
A whole-hearted man full of stories, attitude, and appreciation for the people close to him. I'm looking forward to the celebration of Winston's life and the memories he has forever left us all with. RSVP Blaine.
Ken Perry
October 4, 2015
October 4, 2015
Here's to Winston. Always had a kind word and that word was usually hilarious. You've gone on to the great golf course where all putts go in and all drives find the short grass. You'll always be under par, my friend.

I will be there to toast you!
cassie teykl
October 3, 2015
October 3, 2015
I will be there to enjoy fun and laughter on Winston's behalf! Miss him tremendously... Thanks Rebecca and his close friends and family for keeping those who were touched by Winston informed! Xoxo
Joyce Boran
October 3, 2015
October 3, 2015
Rest in Peace, Winston...
Our family and my old friends have fond memories of a very special man...
Joyce Noonan and Family
Leah Chyma
October 3, 2015
October 3, 2015
I will be there. I look forward to hearing all the Winston stories!
Rob Swaynie
October 3, 2015
October 3, 2015
Got thrown in jail together in Malibu California in 1972 while on vacation smoking hash on the way to see "Fritz the Cat". Three days of nothing but talking but we were also on a 22 day vacation as well so you could say I him pretty well in his younger days. The last year he visited me five times, one of my dearest friends.
Ela Buck
October 3, 2015
October 3, 2015
The Buck family will be there.
Fondly remembering all the laughs, conversations and Cheers we
shared in the last 30 years. Miss you so much.
Look forward to being with all the folks that feel
the same .
Steve Kluber
October 3, 2015
October 3, 2015
Winston and I worked at Sardine Rouge together, a fine dining French restaurant, and years later I was fortunate enough to work with him again at Trio at the Four Seasons. Winston was a special man, and I will always think of him fondly. I will miss his humor and kindness. Winston was a good friend. I plan on attending his memorial.
Jett Baril
October 2, 2015
October 2, 2015
I'll be there..he always called me "Boots"
Miss him
Rebecca Borrelli
October 2, 2015
October 2, 2015
Looking forward to seeing everyone on November 15th. Word of Mouth Catering graciously donated their space for this event, we are so grateful to them! Please leave a note here to RSVP. Much love, ~B
David Wingard
October 2, 2015
October 2, 2015
I worked with Winston at Lakeway World of Tennis in the early/mid-70s. Looking forward to meeting his many friends and hearing the hilarious stories. Everyone that knew him knows what a great guy he was, and that our lives were better for knowing him.
Pam Bishop
October 2, 2015
October 2, 2015
Don and I will drink a toast to him and his love of life...
Elissa Davis
October 2, 2015
October 2, 2015
I will be there. Can't wait to be surrounded by others who have had the honor of knowing Winston.
Carson Gallagher
October 2, 2015
October 2, 2015
I'll be will be attending. I look forward to celebrating the life of a good soul and a fine man.
Erika Elliott
October 2, 2015
October 2, 2015
I will be there to celebrate with Winstons friends and family.
Forrest Preece
October 2, 2015
October 2, 2015
My wife and I have dined at the Cafe at the Four Seasons and its newer incarnation TRIO since the hotel opened in 1986. Winston was the face of the establishment to us. Always in a good mood, with news about the night's specials, and never shy about discussing his golf game. We were sorry to hear that he had left the restaurant -- we often asked for him. Winston was a professional waitperson in every way. So sad to hear of his death; he will be missed.
JQ Delap
October 1, 2015
October 1, 2015
Many fond memories...........!

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Recent Tributes
Rebecca Borrelli
September 26, 2021
September 26, 2021
I met Winston at the end of his life in 2011 after I took a serving job at the Four Seasons. We became friends and began walking the Town Lake trail every Sunday. I loved his stories and advice. He had a way of imparting wisdom without patronizing. He had a way of teasing while making you feel so special.

I had a dream early on in our friendship we were flying over the night skies in Texas. I teased him and said we must be astral travelers. Well, Winston got a kick out that. He teased about it often. He'd call me hippy girl, and told me when he died he was going to "haunt my ass" while I was "peeing in the bathroom." I used to joke he better be nice to me, because when he died I'd be one of the few down here in the earth plane listening to him.

The day after he passed in 2015 was a rough one for me. I remember the song Tuesdays Gone by Lynyrd Skynyrd came on. It made me think of him, although I wasn't terribly sure if he even liked that song. I found myself imagining he would have. And then I began laughing through tears, because the entire train of thought was happening as I peed in the bathroom. I really think Winston is constantly visiting his loved ones in hysterical ways. Cheers to him and you all on this day. I feel lucky to have known him, even for only a short time. I hope you feel close to him today and always.
Steve Kluber
September 26, 2021
September 26, 2021
I worked with Winston at both Sardine Rouge and the Four Seasons. Winston was always fun to be around and excellent at everything he did. I loved his sense of humor and he was always unselfish, generous and thoughtful. I think of Winston and he always makes me smile at what a joy he was to be around. I wish the world had more Winstons.
Steve Kluber
Richard Heinichen
November 14, 2015
November 14, 2015
I loved Winston. I worked with him and Silver at Lakeway inn, The Alpenhoff, the Snortyard,(courtyard) and lived next door,on the lake, when I moved here in 1978. He showed me how to sail while drinking. Even though he stole my wife I remained his friend,another of his many funny stories. I love Winston.
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Recent stories

Crash Spanish Course

October 11, 2015
by Juanita Builes

My husband Fabian and I had the pleasure of being Mr Winston's neighbors for the past year. He was always kind despite the fact that our Chihuahua barked at him non stop and tried to bite him very time they crossed paths. One day, while I was chilling in the balcony, Mr Winston came out to water his plants and asked me if he could come over to my place later that day for a crash Spanish Course before his trip to Nicaragua the very next day.  Mr Winston, you never made it to your Spanish class. However, I'm sure that with your kindness, big smile, a gracias, and una cerveza por favor, you did perfectly fine in Nicaragua.  You will be missed. 

October 4, 2015
by Ken Perry

Winston and I often connected with shared stories about life in the Midwest and how different it was from Texas. We both had a fondness for those places, but we were happy to be in Texas, even when it was 100+ and especially when it was 10 degrees in Indiana. We talked often about Big 10 sports, being from rival schools - Purdue and Illinois. He talked about his experiences at the Four Seasos and the book he could write - I think his working tiltle was "Famous People I Showed to the Bathroom." 

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