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Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
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Roosevelt Winkfield Dies

Roosevelt Winkfield

Roosevelt “Rudy” Winkfield died at home in the care of his loving wife Alma Winkfield on Sept. 14.

He outlived his immediate family members, sisters: Regina and Mattie Lou Winkfield, and Lucille (Bray) Hunter, as well as his son, Darren Winkfield and daughter, Diana Campbell, the most recent being his beloved brother, Arthur Bray. Rudy leaves behind his son, Sean Winkfield; daughter, Angela Day; shared daughters: Pamela and Alma Ladouceur; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and many wonderful friends and extended family here in St. Croix, Canada and across several states.

Rudy had the privilege to serve his community as a corporal in the Virgin Islands Police Department. Corporal Winkfield took great pride in his work and will be remembered by many for his heroic deeds with his partner “Tippy” as a canine officer, as a traffic officer as he rode his historical white Harley motorcycle through our beautiful island, but most of all, he will be remembered for his amazing attitude, sense of fare and equal justice, and award winning smile. Jaime Perez, Rudy’s life long friend recalls that he served in all but one department in public safety and excelled in all positions. It was his dedication, his fearlessness and his commitment to a high standard of duty that made him a great officer and man.

“Grand Master Rudy Winkfield” attained the rank of 8th Dan in kodokan judo, jujitsu and nesi goju ryu karate being known to the martial arts community for his warrior spirit, passion for teaching and master of art forms. He was one of the highest ranking black belts in the three arts in the Virgin Islands at the time of his passing. His martial arts legacy continues through his schools and black belts: Sandy Donahue-Inzinna, Stanford Fabio, Sherry Hotter, Tom Baldauf and Malcolh Fabio. During his last days, Rudy was asked “What message would you pass on to your students?” Grand Master Winkfield said, “Practice hard, be dedicated, share and preserve the art, and, most of all, support, protect and love each other.”

Rudy’s life will be celebrated in New York, surrounded by the many people whose hearts were touched knowing and loving him. A special tribute and memorial will be scheduled on St. Croix at a later date to relive the many memories he leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, food or cards, his family requests that donations be made, in his honor, to either; His Judo School on St. Croix at: The Virgin Islands Judo Federation, PO Box 1786, Christiansted, Virgin Islands 00821

or www.vitrails.org
Rudy has been instrumental in the formation and development of the VI Trail Alliance Corporation, with the vision of improving walkability through the creation of parks, pathways and trails across St. Croix for all people regardless of their age or ability and for future generations. This project sustained him in his final days, and his legacy will be carried on through his wife Alma Winkfield.

He prayed for peace, joy and unity for us all. Rudy and Alma have been thankful for the support provided during his final days by the Continuum Care Team and the office of Dr. Dante Galiber.

Rudy left us in peace; he has been delivered to the Lord and will be deeply missed.

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