Obituary: Newman, Myron R.

Age 79

Sun., June 8, 2014

NEWMAN, Myron R. Passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday evening, June 3rd after a short illness.

He was born in Napa, Idaho January 8th, 1935.

Dad was raised in Culdesac, ID the only son of Cecil and Otillia Newman along with his six sisters.

He graduated Culdesac High School and hired out as a local farm hand until drafted into the Army in 1958.

Serving his two years, Myron then went on to study Forestry at the University of Idaho.

Finishing his studies, the Idaho Forest Service hired him on and then Potlatch Forest Industries (PFI).

While working with PFI, Dad developed an interest in diesel locomotives.

He attended training programs in Camas Prairie to operate railroad locomotives and went to work for the Burlington Northern Railroad.

Dad stayed with the company for twenty five years and retired in 1992.

Myron married Judith E. Yochum in June of 1965 and they were together for 49 years.

Together they raised five children, two daughters and three sons.

His is survived by his wife Judy, daughters Melodie Lidke (Sean) and Melinda Newman; sons Mark, Lonnie and John (Jennifer) Newman.

He has eight grandchildren: Katie, Crystal, Michelle, Nancy, Marcela, Xavier, Jack and Jai.

Myron has four living sisters: Helen, Lavonne, Ruth and Rosie and two deceased sisters: Florence and France.

Dad was a devout Catholic and active participant in his parish at St. John Vianney of the Spokane Valley.

He was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus and served as the Grand Knight for two years and the Fourth Degree Faithful Navigator for three years.

Myron was well known for his charity work within the community and volunteered much of his time to others.

Myron found great pleasure hunting and fishing locally.

Many weekends were spent camping in the mountains of Northern Idaho, fishing the alpine lakes and rivers.

Dad also had a true gift for gardening.

He could literally grow anything from the soil, much to the envy of his neighbors.

His commitment to family and faith meant everything.

He lived a great and wonderful 79 years of life and will truly be missed.

Vigil services will be Sunday, June 8, 2014 at 5pm with visitation beginning at 4pm at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 502 N. Walnut, Spokane Valley, WA.

Funeral Mass will be Monday, June 9, 2014 at 11am and will be celebrated at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, with committal to follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Spokane Valley, WA.

Please visit Myron’s tribute and leave a condolence at www.cfcsspokane.org.

Arrangements have been entrusted to:

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