The city of Surprise, Arizona is in mourning following the death of former councilmember Roland F. Winters Jr., who served from January 2014 until his retirement in December 2022. According to the city's official announcement, Winters passed on Friday, May 3, at the age of 81.

During his time on the City Council, Winters was known for his dedication to constituents and his advocacy for people with disabilities. Mayor Skip Hall, in remembering his colleague, said, "Roland's love for the City of Surprise and service to the same was evident in his work on Council. Having a passion for advocating for those with disabilities, he loved meeting with and talking to residents." Hall, proud to have served alongside Winters for his entire tenure, spoke about the councilman's fervent community commitment.

Originally hailing from New Jersey, Winters pursued his higher education in California, obtaining degrees from Fullerton College and the University of California. Putting his education to work, he spent 35 years at Hughes Aircraft Company in California and ran his own photo studio. His community engagement extended to serving on the State Board of Directors for Californians for Disability Rights, showcasing a lifelong dedication to public service.

Translating his community spirit into political action, as a Surprise councilmember, Winters had a vision for the city as "to be a fully self-sustaining city where residents can live, get educated, work and play." His legacy, leaving behind a wife, Carroll, four children, and seven surviving grandchildren, is marked by his zeal to see his city thrive. A funeral service, open to the public, will be held on Friday, May 10, with a viewing at 10:30 a.m., followed by the service at 11:30 a.m. at the Menke Funeral Center in Sun City.