Barry Newton

Barry Newton was born on November 23, 1949 in Barranquilla, Columbia to Francis Scott Newton and Margaret Dobinson Newton. As his parents were both employees of the US Foreign Service, they traveled often and he lived in many places as he grew up, including India, Israel, and Austria.

He joined the Navy in 1970, where he served active duty for four years and remained a reservist until 1996. In civil life, he worked at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (then the National Bureau of Standards) as a COBOL specialist, where he remained until he retired from government service. He and his wife Judy then started Ashton Computing and Management Services, LLC, which continued to attract private clients until they wound it down. He also worked as a contractor and consultant on Y2K and other projects.

Barry met Judy in 1971 at a science fiction event, and they were married in 1973. They were both active in science fiction fandom. Over the years, Barry was a member, trustee, and president of the Washington Science Fiction Association, a member of the Baltimore Science Fiction Society, a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, staff on many local conventions and several Worldcons, as well as a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. He was also a contributor to SFRevu and an active member of online fannish communities and mailing lists.

In later years, Barry became greatly involved with local community groups and organizations. He was a founding member of Greater Sandy Spring Green Space and PreserveAshton, two local environmental groups. He was an early board member and longtime volunteer for the Olney Farmers and Artists Market, and he administered the Olney-Brookeville Exchange and Olney Freecycle list, two community-focused mailing lists. Recently, he had been volunteering as a runner for Community Food Rescue. He was also deeply invested in both local and national politics, and served as an election judge as often as they would let him.

Barry was a devoted husband and father. He enjoyed reading, traveling, and staying up-to-date with trends in technology. He was a humble, generous, and thoughtful person who was always willing to lend a hand, an ear, or a piece of considered advice. His gentle humor and insight was valued by all.

Barry was originally diagnosed with cancer in 2002, but treatment seemed to be successful. A second diagnosis was made recently. After an extended effort to treat it, Barry died on May 12, 2020 at 70 years old. He is survived by wife Judith, daughter Meridel, and cats Tabby Minor and Smog.

He is dearly missed.