Paul Dean Newendorp

Paul Newendorp died peacefully December 10, 2023 after a long struggle with dementia and cancer. He was born August 5, 1936 in Orange City, Iowa. Paul grew up in LeMars, Iowa where he became an Eagle Scout and met the love of his life, Donna, whom he married in August 1958. After high school, Paul spent two years at the Coast Guard Academy before enrolling at the University of Oklahoma where he was awarded a Bachelor of Science, Masters and Doctorate in Petroleum Engineering. After nine years working for Pan American Petroleum Company, Paul became a consultant and was one of the preeminent authorities on risk analysis for petroleum exploration. He published a book on the subject and taught more than seventy-five short courses in over thirty countries. In 1982 Paul and Donna moved to Colorado and Paul retired from the Petroleum Industry in 1986 shortly thereafter.

In addition to his many professional accomplishments, Paul was a friend of nature and was a trusted volunteer for the Forest Service and Rocky Mountain National Park. He spent many summers on a trail crew building the Colorado Trail. Paul was fond of adventures. He ran the Denver Marathon, took white water river rafting trips around the world and sailing lessons in the Caribbean.

Paul was a champion of philanthropy. He was instrumental in growing the Estes Valley Community Fund. Paul helped start the Community Garden and faithfully supported many local charities.

Paul was preceded in death by his father Nelson, mother Myrtle and sister Ruth. He is survived by wife Donna, son Mark (Susan) Newendorp, daughter Lori (Jeff) Wagner, grandchildren Christian and Chelsea Newendorp as well as many nieces and nephews. A service celebrating Paul’s life will be held Saturday January 6 at 2pm at the United Methodist Church of Estes Park.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the United Methodist Church of Estes Park or Crossroads Ministry of Estes Park.