Robert Louis (Bob) Newton passed away while recovering from a tragic fall. He was born in Rapid City, SD. to Louis A. and Caroline B. Newton. He had one sister, Barbara Ann. He grew up in Rapid City, attending elementary and secondary schools. He graduated from Rapid City High School and attended Huron (SD) College.
His first job was at age 11 setting pins in a bowling alley in Rapid City - and that ignited his lifelong love for bowling. As a teen, he worked during the summer months in the restaurant and tourist shop at Mt. Rushmore National Memorial in the Black Hills. After college he worked for a while as a draftsman, then became an over-the-road truck driver. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. When he returned to the U.S., he attended Brown Institute in Minneapolis, MN, majoring in broadcasting, and worked at KTOQ in Rapid City. He continued his truck driving over the years and eventually accepted a position as an instructor for Amoco Oil teaching first responders, firefighters, and police officers how to extinguish fires in tanker trucks. He traveled extensively for seminars in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. After retiring from trucking, he came to Phoenix to live closer to Barb and her family, eventually moving to Glencroft in 2008.
He loved living at Glencroft and especially enjoyed volunteering. He was a co-manager for the Marketplace, provided leadership for the Wii Bowling League, served on the volunteer board for three years and was president of the resident association for one term. He especially enjoyed emceeing Friday night performances and was a driver in the transportation department.
Even tho’ he traveled extensively during his life - visiting many beautiful places - his favorite place was always the Black Hills of South Dakota. He will be buried at the Black Hills National Cemetary (for veterans).
Bob was an amazing dad - Oh how he loved his daughter Dawn and her family - husband James, grandson Ryan and granddaughter Katelyn. He was also a super stepdad to Patty Smith and to Tom Harness (and grandpa to Mia Harness). Even tho’ he was the “baby brother,” he was Barb’s number one protector ... and was a beloved uncle to Mike, Julie and Andy, plus a GREAT great-uncle to Mike’s and Julie’s children. And last, but by no means least, he was devoted and dedicated to his many friends at Glencroft and across the U.S. We will miss him everyday ... and we will always remember how he has enriched our lives with love and laughter.
Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
Matthew 25:21.
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