June 16, 1946 – March 21, 2024
By TRTC staff and board
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Lon Winston, the esteemed founder and executive artistic director emeritus of Thunder River Theatre Company (TRTC). Lon passed away peacefully on March 21, leaving behind his radiant wife of 49 years, Debra, and a legacy that will forever resonate within the theater community.
A theater-maker and educator for 60 years, Lon’s legacy lies in the hearts of the many generations of students and audiences who have been fortunate enough to be in his sphere.
Lon was the visionary whose passion and dedication was the underpinning for TRTC.He founded the theater in 1995, and it was his innovative spirit, artistic excellence and downright tenacity which shaped the organization’s identity and inspired countless artists and audiences alike. In the 21 years Lon ran TRTC, he directed and designed more than 60 productions — and performed in many.
His final show was “A View from the Bridge” in February 2020, a fitting swan song as he played Alfieri, the all-knowing narrator.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Lon’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you as we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual who touched so many lives.
In honor of Lon’s legacy, we will be holding a celebration of life at the Lon Winston Theatre in TRTC on May 4, 2024. Details will be shared as we get closer.
When asked about what the community could do for her in this time of sorrow, Debra responded that she doesn’t need flowers but would prefer that people make a donation in Lon’s name to either Colorado Animal Rescue or TRTC. “TRTC was our ‘baby,’ and the baby still needs to go to college,” she quipped.
Thunder River Theatre Company will forever be grateful for Lon’s vision, leadership and enduring impact on our community. We pledge to carry forward his legacy with the same passion and dedication that defined his life’s work.