Gregory Winterbottom, long-serving Orange County Transportation Authority board member, dies at 73
Gregory T. Winterbottom, the longest serving member of the Orange County Transportation Authority’s board of directors who pushed for disabled-person rights on transportation systems, has died at age 73.
Winterbottom, who had served on the board since 1993 and was its chairman in 2004 and 2013, died Friday, June 26, at his Villa Park home. A cause was not announced.
“Greg was a tremendous public servant who brought extensive experience in transportation and government to the OCTA board,” said Steve Jones, the agency’s chairman. “His contributions and legacy of progress for people, especially those with transportation challenges, has left a lasting impact on Orange County.”
Winterbottom used a wheelchair for more than 50 years and is known for his disabled-rights activism.
Winterbottom pioneered the county’s Dial-A-Ride program to provide door-to-door transportation for wheelchair users and the elderly, and he managed the Consolidated Transportation Service Agency to provide cost-effective transportation services for individuals with disabilities.
The programs paved the way for OCTA’s ACCESS paratransit service, which has nearly 1.4 million boardings of Orange County residents each year.
“The next time you see a bus with a lift, a curb cut for someone pushing a stroller or a wheelchair, or a ramp providing an alternative to stairs in a public building, think of Greg,” said Stan Oftelie, OCTA’s first CEO. “He worked on those issues for half a century.”
Winterbottom will be “sorely missed, not only for his contributions, but as a friend,” said Darrell E. Johnson, OCTA’s CEO.
He had recently served as well on the board that oversees Metrolink, the rail-commuter system.
“Amid tears, we also smile as we remember Director Winterbottom for his selfless commitment to public service,” said Metrolink CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “Metrolink just completed our installation of new ticket machines designed to provide easy access to disabled persons; we dedicate this achievement to him. May he rest in peace.”
Winterbottom was born in Philadelphia, with his family moving to California when he was 1 year old. He attended North Torrance High School and played football there all four years. Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 17.
In 1977, Winterbottom served as the founding chairman of the non-profit Dayle McIntosh Center, which provides services to people with disabilities.
Winterbottom is survived by his son, Steven, and his daughter-in-law, Michelle; sister, JoAnne Roby; and niece, Jamy Hathcoat. He was predeceased by a nephew, U.S. Air Force Capt. Randy Roby.
In lieu of flowers, Winterbottom’s family requested donations be sent to the Dayle McIntosh Center at 501 N. Brookhurst St., Suite 102, Anaheim, California, 92801.