Winder died on Aug. 2 after battling cancer for many years. He was 91.

During his lifetime, he served as a World War II pilot and a clinical psychologist and held many administrative positions at MSU. He played part in MSU’s affiliation with the Detroit College of Law and helped keep MSU afloat during large budget cuts during his time as provost, amongst his many other contributions.

“(Winder) was a passionate teacher and scholar who truly loved being a psychologist,” MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon in a statement read at the service. “Supporters and critics alike would say that one could not find a more dedicated, hardworking leader.

The brief service, led by Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing Rev. Kathryn Bert, included several songs — a tribute to his family’s love of music — as well as several speeches, a presentation of the flag by members of the National Guard and a slideshow.

“(The service) was reflective of his life,” Lee June, a professor of psychology and former vice president for student affairs and services, said. “He was not a person of pomp and circumstance.”

Perhaps the most tearful part of the afternoon of goodbyes was when speeches turned to his wife, Elizabeth, and their 68 years of love and marriage.

In her speech, Laurie Sommers, Winder’s daughter-in-law, recalled watching him comfort others toward the end of his life, telling them to make sure they took good care of Elizabeth when he passed away.

“He was really a devoted husband and dad,” his daughter, Christina Winder, said. “Mom had a lot to do with a lot of his success … she was the glue.”

Laughter broke out on several occasions as those present at the memorial service remembered his dry wit and his tendency to “suffer no fool,” as well as his attention to detail and extraordinary ability to listen.

The tree lover, whom many referred to as the strong but silent type, will have his ashes scattered underneath a dawn redwood on Lake Michigan and in a Santa Barbara, Cali., cemetery he grew up by. But his spirit and memory will live long after he is gone, according to Simon — a feeling that seemed evident as the drizzly afternoon turned to sunshine at the service’s conclusion while “When the Saints Go Marching In” played.

“He commented that you’re often forgotten when you retire,” Simon said in her statement. “The key question is not if you have been forgotten by name, but if you built a strong foundation that is the platform for clearer vision and higher achievement. There is no doubt that Lee built that strong foundation for his family, his students, his colleagues and, most importantly, his university.”