Don Leonard Newman

Douthitt Leonard Dewitt Newman (aka Don) father and grandfather, and friend to many, age 91, of Colorado Springs, passed away peacefully while sipping tea after a determined 18+ year journey with cancer on November 1, 2025.

Born on July 31, 1934 in Southern California, Don was raised by a single mother after his father died suddenly during the Great Depression when he was a toddler. He was an only child who found solace and friendship in those early days with his sweet dog. Don began working in the California Division of Forestry full time immediately following high school. When he transitioned to working for a fire department, he affectionately became known as “Yogi Bear” throughout the firemans’ brotherhood. A nick name that would follow him his entire life. From 1959-66 he worked as a firefighter for the city of South Gate where he achieved Engineer status. He then went to the Fountain Valley Fire Department where he was Captain from 1966-1974. He stepped away from the Captain’s seat to be one of the first 6 men in his city to be trained as a MICU (Mobile Intensive Care Unit) field paramedic (1974-78) based on the new Paramedic Act signed into law in California- the first in the country. In 1978, he became Captain again as he continued coordinating the MICU paramedics. Don was instrumental in the development of the City’s paramedic program. In the early 80s, he moved to the Orange County Fire Department. He consistently pursued continuing education and training to become a better fireman, paramedic, leader and to be more successful in his career. He even moonlighted as a Reserve deputy sheriff for a few years while in Orange County. He finished his career with the San Ramon Valley Fire District where he focused on arson investigation into his 70s.

Don was married 5 times with two of his marriages lasting almost 30 years each. Carrie Newman- mother of his two children and friend since high school, and his last wife Mary Newman. It was with Mary that he really learned the value of family. Don is survived by his daughter Nyla Newman and his granddaughter Kiryana Umari, his 7 step-children Craig Woodard, Alice Stevens, Jane Woodard, Chris Woodard, Larry Woodard, Barbara Brodeur, and Cheri Ortega, and many wonderful step-grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Nevin Newman and wife Mary Woodard-Newman.

Don will be remembered for his legacy with the fire service and his contribution to the California paramedic program, his love of the ocean, his love of dogs, his loyalty to his friends, and his unfailing humor and wit, which were with him until the end.

Memorial contributions may be made in Don’s name to:

• California Fire Foundation

• Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

• The Ocean Cleanup