Reg Winkler died on Saturday after a battle with cancer, but even his illness didn’t slow down his desire to ensure the history of the shire, particularly in Whitton, was remembered and preserved. 

Mr Winkler was known to many as having a huge interest in this area.

He was hugely passionate about Whitton and was one of a group of people responsible for the creation of the town’s historical museum.

Over the years Mr Winkler had many projects of his own and often lobbied for historical items to be preserved and saved. 

One of his most recent successes was ensuring the gigantic stained glass window at a church in Whitton that was closed was saved. 

That window is now proudly installed and on show in Leeton’s community centre in Wade Avenue and is often the focal point of many town events. 

Leeton mayor Paul Maytom said he was honoured to call Mr Winkler his friend. 

“I knew Reg for a very long time, not just through my work on council, but as a friend as well,” he said. 

“He was very passionate about Whitton and having it be known as the oldest town in the MIA. 

“I know there were still some things he wanted to do and he still had different historical items at his home, so we’ll be working to ensure those aren’t lost or forgotten about.”

Mr Winkler was also known for his love for a chat. 

Former Whitton resident Lexi King said he was a “real character that will be sadly missed”. 

“He could sit and chat to you for hours about Whitton and its history, but also for the whole Leeton shire,” she said. 

“His knowledge of the area will be something that will also be certainly missed. 

“It was amazing just how much he knew. 

“If you had a question he couldn’t answer, he knew the person that could. 

“He did a lot for Whitton and we’ll miss him.”

Mr Winkler was also instrumental in the creation of the Noel Hogan Park at Whitton and more recently was trying to have old monkey scoops refurbished that were used to dig channels in the area when irrigation was starting up.