Gerald Ross Newsham

Gerald was born September 12, 1929 on the Little Red Deer District homestead near Innisfail, Alberta to Cecil and Mary Newsham. He grew up as an only child on the farm but with six uncles homesteading in the area, had many cousins for company. After high school he attended Berean Bible College in Calgary, Alberta where he met his future wife, Beulah Walrod. They were married July 24, 1951 in Kelowna, B.C.

As a newly ordained minister, he and Beulah began their service to varied Alberta locations before moving to do mission work in Mayo, Yukon. As well as “tending his flock”, Gerald was also the Town Fire Chief and worked at the General Store. In 1962, with family of three children now in tow, they returned to Alberta. Gerald became the pastor of Ponoka Baptist Church where they remained for a few years before moving to Calgary.

While serving in a pastoral capacity in the Calgary area where needed, Gerald and Beulah were also very active members of Bethel Baptist Church for many years. With Gerald as an Elder of the church and Beulah in the choir they filled many roles. He also worked hard at many different jobs there over the years including Loblaws Company, Golden Moss Farms and Canada Post. He always did his very best to support his family as well as helping others when needed.

In 1976 Gerald accepted a parish in Peachland, B.C. and family moved to the Okanagan valley. After ministering there for five years, they retired to the Westbank area. There he worked at Décor Doors for eighteen years until he retired. Gerald also always remained active over the years in assisting bereaved in his capacity as funeral attendant through his church and at local funeral homes. He continued volunteer work with the Hospice Society and Citizens on Patrol while retired as well. In 2013 they followed their daughter, Melody to Victoria area where they spent their last years.

One of Gerald’s favorite sayings to all who visited was “come on in – the water’s fine”! He was known for his sense of humor and he loved to tease. He spent many hours in his workshop puttering with wood-working, mechanics and other projects. Shortwave radio, photography and all technology intrigued him well into his later years. Gerald enjoyed his many motorbike excursions and loved traveling keeping in touch with friends and family along the way.

He taught his children the value of hard work and a penny saved. He also raised them with strong spiritual principles and to realize the importance of family. We will miss his infectious grin, his “perfect” mustache and his enthusiasm for what lay around the corner.

Gerald is predeceased by both parents and very recently by his beloved wife of 70 years, Beulah. He is survived by his three children; daughter Jay Newsham, son Richard Newsham (Irene), and daughter Melody Esser (Ralph). He also leaves his grandchildren Shawn and Sarah Zirri, Christopher and Nathan Newsham, Erin and Kyra Esser as well as 5 great grandchildren.

There will be no service as per his wishes. We will honor him with our memories.