Burton C. "Newby"

Burton Clinton Newby, age 87, of Grants Pass, Oregon passed away on October 27, 2012.

Newby was born on July 18, 1925 in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. He was raised during the Great Depression. His father, Clinton Newby, died before Newby was born. His growing up years were spent on the farm in Kentucky, where they grew tobacco, corn, wheat and alfalfa. He attended school until 10th grade. At age 17, Newby joined the Navy. Newby met his spouse, Lorraine in Great Lakes, Illinois, after World War II. In 1948, they were married in Massachusetts. Newby continued his career with the Navy for 30 years and 3 glorious days, retiring as Lt. Commander. He has 10 combat stars he earned in the Navy. His years in the Navy took him all over the world on ships.

Newby and Lorraine had two children: David C. Newby of Virginia, who passed away in 2007, and Ronald K. Newby of Grants Pass who survives. Newby had 5 grandchildren: 3 from David (Portia Newby Mayberry, Kim Newby Price and Shane Newby) and 2 from Ron (Olivia Newby and Andrea Newby). Newby helped coach Little League Baseball when the boys were younger.

After retiring, Newby and Lorraine settled in Sandpoint, Idaho for 33 years, where they built their humble cabin. Newby and Lorraine travelled across the country in an Airstream Trailer. Newby also loved attending his Navy ship reunions which were held all over the country. Newby and Lorraine’s marriage lasted 49 years until Lorraine went home to be with the Lord in 1997. In 2005, Newby moved to Grants Pass, Oregon to live closer to his son, Ron, and wife, Trudi and their two girls, Olivia and Andrea. Newby so enjoyed being able to be near his granddaughters and watching them grow up.

Words of wisdom that Newby passed onto his granddaughters are: “A smooth sea and a smooth ship never produce a capable mariner.” In other words, he said, …Life without trials will not produce people with strength and depth in their life.

Dad and Grandpa, you will surely be missed for all your amazing stories of the Navy and your life’s journey. Of course, your wonderful sense of humor will be missed too. Newby always claimed he lost all his hair riding his Harley motorcycle. We are comforted in knowing you are now in heaven with your wife, Lorraine and son, David, and we shall meet you there someday! We love you!

He was preceded in death by his sister, Christine Bonta in 2004, and 3 stepbrothers and one stepsister.