October 6, 1929 – December 7, 2018

Vic Newman lived a wonderful life of love, kindness and true faith.  Son to Norman and Tula, big brother to Gwen, Daryl and Melvin, loving husband of 64 years to Winnie, and father to Vicci (Tony) and Rob (Cathy).

Vic was born at Royal Inland Hospital and raised on the Newman homestead in Brocklehurst.  As a child, Vic worked the family orchard after school, and pulled weeds in the family’s “Rain-a-Day Garden” located near present-day NorKam Senior Secondary.  Vic did his share outside in the fields alongside his siblings but he truly loved spending time with his Mom, reading and listening to music.  At an early age, Vic, his brothers and sister rode their horses to school and Vic joined the “Climber’s Club” of the United Church in downtown Kamloops.

Vic loved everything “flight-related” from his early teens until the day he died.  He obtained his pilot’s licence in the late 1940’s and regularly travelled to the Abbottsford Air Show.  Vic read every word written on the “Space Race” and watched through the night with his kids to see Neil Armstrong step onto the moon’s surface.

When he met his beloved Winnie in 1952, Vic became a member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church where he found his true community of faith.  Winnie and Vic were married in 1954, and lived happily together until his passing 64 years later.

Vic was hired to help build the Kamloops Oil Refinery in the same year that he was married.  After it was built, Vic continued to be employed by the refinery until it was closed in 1983.  He then decommissioned the refinery and was asked to travel to China to rebuild it there.  Vic spent his entire career arriving at work an hour early and never leaving until his job was done.  His work ethic was born in the orchards and gardens of his youth and continued throughout his life. There was never a job too big.  In 1967, Vic and Winnie bought a small cabin at Cedar Villas on Shuswap Lake, and just last year celebrated 50 years of memories at the lake with their summer friends and family. Vic served as President of the association for many years, and to this day the grounds at Cedar Villas reflect the countless hours of effort that Vic spent working as the de facto handyman.

Vic and Winnie had a long, happy marriage, raising their children in Kamloops and developing lifelong friendships.  Uncle Vic was loved by his many nieces and nephews….and was lovingly called Uncle by the children of many close friends. He was also a second father to a number of students who lived with the Newman family over the years.

In 1989 Vic was gifted with a granddaughter, Christine.  She was the “light of his life” and they enjoyed many hours together at the family cottage.  Later in life, Vic became Grandpa Vic to Carling, Erin and Caitie.  He considered himself truly blessed.

Throughout Vic’s life, the Presbyterian Church has been his mainstay.  He developed close friendships with many in the church, most notably the Reverend George Peters and John Brown Sr.  Vic was both the Beadle and Clerk of Session for over 41 years.  When he retired his post with quiet dignity, he was recognized by the Presbytery of Canada with an Elder Emeritus award.  Vic was honored, but somewhat shocked, by the recognition.  Working for the church was simply the most natural thing to do.

Dad enjoyed the Rummoli Group, the Walking Club, their Happy Hour Gang and his new friends at Berwick on the Park.  His last months were tough for him and for those of us that loved him dearly.  True to his kind and unassuming nature, Vic never complained about his declining health and made everyone around him comfortable and comforted by his stoic and gentle nature.

The Newman and Ryan families wish to thank Vic’s doctor Francois Malan, the staff at the VIP Clinic, his respirologists Dr. Nair and Dr. Kambo, as well as Dr. Raath who lent a healing ear and supported Dad many times this past summer and fall.  Lastly, our family extends our heartfelt thanks to the legions of nurses (Blaine), porters, technicians and patients who helped Dad through the long days in hospital.

Dad has “gone home”.  He died peacefully and is now at rest.

“Until we meet again…”

A Celebration of Life for Vic will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, December 15, 2018 at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 1136 6th Ave, Kamloops, BC. There will be a social gathering in the Church Hall following the Service.

In lieu of flowers, Vic’s family encourages you to make a donation in Vic’s memory to a charitable organization of your choice.