He was in private practice in Denver from 1936 to 1970, interrupted by service in the United States Navy during World War II, from 1942 to 1945.

[1] On December 8, 1970, Winner was nominated by President Richard Nixon to a new seat on the United States District Court for the District of Colorado created by 84 Stat.

He served as Chief Judge from 1976 to 1982, assuming senior status on April 8, 1982.

Winner served in that capacity until his retirement from the bench, on August 1, 1984.

[1] Winner died on January 22, 2003, in Grand Junction, Colorado.