06/15/2026
San Quentin Rehabilitation Center free-staff painter, part-time percussionist, and valued member of the community, Mike Winder, retired to end his long and colorful career on a positive note.
“I wanted to make a living as a drummer,” Winder said. “But I had to pay the rent so I started painting, and that was 50 years ago.”
For more than 20 of his 50 years as a tradesman, the SQRC Plant Operations supervisor has rolled, sprayed, and brushed tens of thousands of gallons of paint onto the walls of the 175-year-old institution. On April 1, 2026, Winder set his rollers and brushes down for good.
“What I respect about Mike most is that he never looked down on us or treated us like we were criminals,” said Winder’s coworker of 11 years, resident Dennis Jefferson. “He always shows up with a smile on his face, a positive attitude, and a willingness to teach the next man the tricks of the trade.”
🔗 Read the full story: https://sanquentinnews.com/san-quentin-plant-operations-supervisor-retires/ (LINK IN BIO)
✍️ Terrell J. Marshall
📸 Marcus Casillas
