Obituary of William Roland Newsom

William Roland (Ron) Newsom, beloved husband of Louise Newsom of Calgary, passed away at the Carewest Colonel Belcher on Tuesday, March 9, 2004 at the age of 90 years. Ron grew up in Stavely and Banff, where he started a lengthy career in the newspaper industry, which took him to Nanton, McLeod, Castor and Olds. He was a twenty year co-owner of the Olds Gazette with Neil Leatherdale. Ron then edited the Rimbey Record before going overseas in World War II with the Tank Corp. Following an injury he served with the Maple Leaf Canadian Army newspaper. After the war he owned and edited the Bashaw Star for seventeen years. While in Bashaw, he was active in the Fire Department, Justice of the Peace, and instrumental in the development of a hospital and a seniors lodge. A long time member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Masonic Lodge and Elks Lodge, serving as the Chaplain of the Calgary Elks Lodge. Ron received the Gold Quill Award for fifty years of distinguished service to the community newspaper profession and Honourary Life Membership. Re-marrying in 1975, Ron and Louise traveled extensively, frequently visiting Arizona. Ron was editor of the Strathmore Bow Valley Standard at Heritage Park until 1984. Besides his loving wife of twenty-nine years Louise, Ron is remembered by his children, Don (Birdeen), Shirley (Marion), and Michael (Linda); stepchildren, Robert (Betty) Miller, Gordon (Flo) Miller, Jim Miller, Pamela Miller, and Barbara Biles; grandchildren Nathan, Luke, and Kaylene; and many step-grandchildren, especially Alison Biles (Everett), and Stephen Biles; great-step-grandson baby William; and sisters, Joyce (Ken) Willis and Eileen Martens. Ron was predeceased by first wife, Myrtle and stepdaughter Sheila Lea. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Friday, March 12, 2004 at 2:30 P.M. with the Rev. R. H. Grant Rodgers of St. Peter’s Anglican Church officiating. A Family Graveside Service will be held at Queen’s Park Cemetery. To forward condolences go to www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alzheimer Society of Calgary, #201, 222 – 58 Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2S3 Telephone: (403) 290-0110 or directly to the charity of the donor’s choice. In living memory of Ron Newsom, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W., CALGARY, TELEPHONE: (403) 243-8200.