Derek Alan Winn

Derek Alan Winn, 62, of Fort Collins, Colorado, passed away September 7 , 2023 at UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland.

Derek was born July 11, 1961 in Denver, Colorado to Byron and Donna Winn. He was raised in Fort Collins with his siblings, Byron and Julie, and was a graduate of Poudre High School. From a young age, Derek was distinguished for his skill in gymnastics, competing at a high level and performing with Illinois State University's Gamma Phi Circus while a student at ISU.

Derek became an Exercise Physiologist and worked in the cardiovascular lab for the UCHealth System. He performed treadmill tests on patients and was known for his ability to carefully read EKG test results and identify issues that helped save the lives of many patients. His strength of character, professionalism, and warm demeanor earned the love and respect of medical staff and patients alike. He trained new employees and was patient and kind in his teaching methods. His coworkers could tell when Derek was working by the way the pens and highlighters would be lined up on the counter at the start of a shift. He was responsible for providing over reads of EKGs to ensure patients received the highest quality of care. He was known to catch things others had missed, thus improving patient outcomes.

Derek reduced his work hours earlier this year so he could have more time for golf and other activities he enjoyed, and he played what he reported as a great round of golf in the hours before the stroke that took his life. While his death was untimely, Derek enjoyed a full life centered on meaningful work and the family he loved.

Derek is survived by his mother, Donna Winn, siblings Byron (Laura) Winn, Manchester by-the-Sea, Massachusetts) and Julie (Paul) Knighton (Fort Collins, Colorado), and his dear nieces and nephews Daniel Knighton (Steffi), Sara Knighton Percy (Logan), Andrew Knighton (Pippa), Seth Knighton (Callie), Connor Winn, Brady Winn and Gillian Winn.

Derek was preceded in death by his father, Dr. C. Byron Winn.

Derek was a registered organ donor whose final act as a caregiver was to donate his eyes, organs, and tissue through Donor Alliance and Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank.

A Private event is being planned.