To the Newbrough Family,
My Condolences

Forty Four years ago in the summer 1980 I was 10 years old and your father taught me how to swim. 
It is a memory that has always stayed with me.

We had a pool in out backyard and Your dad looked at me and said “you can’t swim? … get on the diving board!”
He swam out and waited in the deep end and told to jump in towards him. We did it a few times, he would catch me, hold me and push me along and there it was, I could swim.  It is such a vivid memory for me.  I have always been grateful for that moment and his help.  

Mike Alviano

My most sincere and heart felt condolences to the Newburgh family.A true gentleman who touched everyone's hearts.
I most enjoyed Rich's company on the golf course.We had many  golf games  over the years.
Sincerely,
Alex Doczi

I add my sincere condolence to the Newbrough family and Rich's circle of close friends.  His was a life well lived and fond memories will sustain those closest to him.  I worked with Rich at WLU during the years 1981-1995. He may be best known as "Coach Newbrough"; a title and a role as well as a deserved term of endearment; however  he was also a respected teacher in the classroom, a skillful administrator in the office and a  friend and mentor to many, on and off the sports fields and courts.  Rich truly cared about student athletes. He understood that a balanced intersection of academic pursuits and participation in sports at all levels (varsity and recreational), would produce effective leaders, valued team players and good citizens.  When I took the hard decision in 1995 to make a career move to become the Registrar at McMaster university  the athletic staff there frequently told me of the respect they had for Rich and his team of Coaches for their role in inter-collegiate athletics.  This was a reminder to me that Rich's leadership in university athletics  and contributions to student development was not limited to  WLU  but extended across Ontario, and indeed Canada. 
George Granger, friend and former colleague

While Rich retired the month before I started at Laurier in 1997, we never had the opportunity to work directly together, but over the many years since we developed a meaningful friendship. In particular, I loved hearing Rich speak at various Laurier events, usually about football of course. Like the successful coach he was, he always delivered a meaningful message that made you think about what was most important, and that was always about caring for people first who he always placed ahead of himself. He cared for so many and his mark on their lives will be the memories that last forever...RIP Coach!
David McMurray
Vice President, Student Affairs
Wilfrid Laurier University

Deepest condolences and sympathy to the Newbrough family and close friends. "Coach" gave many of us who came to WLU a chance to be part of his team. Rich will always be remembered for his patience and leadership as a coach to all of us who played football for WLU.
WLU '83-84

My deepest sympathy to Rich's family.  I have so many wonderful memories of Rich over so many years as a co worker at WLU. We go way back as the class of 68. Rich was a true gentleman. One of the best. I was so blessed to be an honoury coach at one of the Golden Hawks football games. Also was honoured with a letterman jacket. So much of Rich's doing. I will never forget these special moments. 
Over ones  lifetime we are privileged to know special people and for me Rich was one of those. I will never forget. Rest in heavenly peace dear Rich. Till we meet again. Jan xxoo.

Our sincerest condolences to all of the Newbrough family. 
Rich Newbrough was one hell of a person , coach and family man. 
He will have an endless football field in Heaven.  Rest in Peace.  

Sending our biggest hugs ,
Love Tracey Strong and the Strong family

True GENTLEman in every sense of the word on AND off the field. He has a fantastic coaching tree (including Scott) and has positively affected countless young lives. God Bless.

Sorry for you loss. I remember him as Scott’s dad, our neighbour down the street. Always a smile and friendly hello. Boy, could he whistle when it was time for Scott to go home for dinner!
Thinking of you all, Sue Defreyne ( Stocks)

Deepest condolences to everyone in the Newborough family.  Thank you also for sharing your Dad / Grandpa with us.   Coach was a remarkable man that had an incredibly positive and long lasting impact on so many over the years.  RIP Coach and enjoy that long Country Road home…

My deepest sympathy to the Newborough Family… Coach was the epitome of a gentleman …

From the first time we met I really liked Rich. I worked in local radio and we crossed paths often. My youngest sister married a former Golden Hawk and both Rich and Tuffy were at that wedding and spoke at the reception, to everyone’s delight. He brought joy to many people in his humble gentle way. Sincere condolences to his entire family! 
Neil Aitchison - Waterloo

Sad to hear of Uncle Rich’s passing. He was the fun uncle who always made each niece and nephew feel that they were important. We were very close to him and Aunt Patty when we were little children. My first time on a plane was a visit with my parents to Canada.  Rich and Pat came to my wedding 46 years ago in Wheeling. My sincere condolences to Greg and Scott and the family.
-Michelle John-

Was very sad when I read this. Condolences to the whole family.

I will never forget our family trip to MarineLand with Rich and Pat back in the early 80's.  Rich made the best "pigs in a blanket" and whenever a driver near was was being "erratic", Rich would pull out that West Virginia accent which I never forgot.

Rest well my friend.


Geoff Alviano

OBITUARY

Earl "Rich" Richard Newbrough

February 15, 1937 – June 29, 2024

Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services