In Loving Memory of
Rod Newman
As most of you will know our dad, Rod Newman, passed away at 1.30 pm on Monday the 21st of December. It will surprise none of you to hear that he fought until the very end and died on his terms, at home and holding our mum, Margaret’s, hand.
As a family, we have been overwhelmed by the messages of condolences and memories that we have received from you all, and that is the purpose of setting up this memorial page. If you wish, could you either cut and paste your message that you have already sent to us in the last few days, or even sit down and write something from scratch. Recently, we have learnt so much about what he meant to so many people, and we can’t help but think we have only scratched the surface.
As many of you will know, our Dad worked at Woodvale for most of his life. The motto there is “known to few but forgotten by none”. If you change two words in their motto, “few” to “many”, and “but” to “and” you end up with “known to many and forgotten by none”. We think this sums him up perfectly. We are all suffering following the death of our dad, but over time, this memorial page will give us a lasting memorial to what he was to you all and in time, when we are brave enough, we can truly celebrate these memories in a way that would fit the man he was.
Phil, Sarah, Cat and John x
Book Owner: The Newmans
Book Size: 200 Messages
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Jen Tye
Rod, I write this while attending your funeral, albeit not in person. I spoke from my heart in the recent video message, because I wanted you to know how much you influenced not only myself, but so many others. Many a circle has come around which has shown mutual companions. You have inspired several generations. I will never forget our regular chin wags in my office, never a dull story or experience. I took such pride in introducing you to our Concorde guests, to make you blush just a little when I scraped the surface of your incredible life and career. It doesn’t feel enough to send my condolences to your beloved family. I know they are all so proud of you. Your beaming laugh and charisma will always be remembered. With all of my love and admiration, Jen…
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Jen Tye
Rod, I write this while attending your funeral, albeit not in person. I spoke from my heart in the recent video message, because I wanted you to know how much you influenced not only myself, but so many others. Many a circle has come around which has shown mutual companions. You have inspired several generations. I will never forget our regular chin wags in my office, never a dull story or experience. I took such pride in introducing you to our Concorde guests, to make you blush just a little when I scraped the surface of your incredible life and career. Your beaming laugh and charisma will always be remembered. With all of my love and admiration, Jen …
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Anna Bartram
I’ll remember Rod as being so friendly and welcoming, with a big warm smile and always ready for a chat. I was struck by his continuous positivity, genuine interest in other people and definitely his cheeky sense of humour. Thinking of you all at this time and sending much love xx…
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Cassie Goldman
I didn’t have a father figure growing up. That changed the moment I met Rod. He told me I was his wild card the day I got interviewed for MASUAS. Rob Pickering and Phil Boundy were adament I wasn’t a fit. Over the next few years, Rod guided me and built my confidence in that subtle way of his. Exposing us young adults to adventures, the likes of which we’d never known – driving to The Alps via La Champs Elysees, sailing in the BVIs, slaughtering chickens in the dead of night in some godforsaken forest. His wonderful mix of discipline and laughter, the Dennis Healey eyebrows, the permanent onion breath. It was an honour and a privilege to have been in your constellation, Rod. You were my North star….
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Mike FitzGibbon
For my family, Rod Newman is such an inspiration, having lived such a fantastic life. One of my favourite memories is my wife Faye and I spending a few days sailing under Captain Rod and Margaret, as friends of John and Helen. Despite John and my attempts to sail directly into storm fronts and panic in any conditions, it was clear we were in the hands of a Master who had seen it all before many times. Rod even dragged me out of bed at random times to make adjustments to the boat, I suspect to check I had what it takes to meet his standards as a ‘Day Skipper’. He told me when determining if someone qualifies, he is not looking at whether they can read a map or tie a knot, but whether he would be comfortable with the student taking his own family out on a boat. That certainly raised the bar. I am pleased to say that John and I met these high standards on that trip. Sailing for me will always bring back great memories of Rod Newman. All our love from the FitzGibbon family to the Newmans….
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Dave Hall
Reflecting on this very sad news, it’s hard to believe that the memories I have of Rod are now thirty years old. My time at MASUAS was pivotal in shaping the rest of my life and Rod was a huge influence. He was highly-skilled as pilot but – more importantly – he was warm, generous, approachable and wise as a person. My deepest condolences to family and friends. Godspeed Rod Newman, and thank you. MASUAS Summer Camp RAF Abingdon 1990…
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Peter Churchill
What a man and what a life! I have such fond memories of being at the Newman house and always being so welcomed, despite some likely nonsense going on! In later years, it was always a pleasure to drop in or to be dropped in on when Rod and Margaret lived around the corner- glass of red thrust into your hand before you could sit down! I will never forget the fastest ever journey home from Brighton to Blackpool for John’s stag do! Rod’s legendary driving skills- amazing! A special man who will be fondly remembered. Huge love to you all from the Churchills. …
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Bob Kirkham
Rod and I were friends for 55 years. We first met and became friends in April 1965 when we were on the same course A the Initial Training School at RAF South Cernery, ‘ Learning ‘ to be Officers and Pilots. We then went on to be on to be on the same courses through Primary Flying Training , Basic Flying Training, Advanced Flying Training and The Canberra OCU and both went off to RAF Germany, different Squadrons on different Stations. During our Basic Flying Training at No.3 FTS, RAF Leeming we spent a lot of time in each others company. Rod was instrumental in me meeting my future wife, Jennifer. On the very first night at Leeming, 12th. September 1965, just to make a change….HA !! We went out for a drink . Rod knew the local area quite well as, his is Father was the Station Warrant Officer at nearby RAF Topcliffe. We walked into the chosen ‘ Pub ‘ and their, standing on a stool, changing the tape on the in-house music system was a lovel Young Lady. I said to myself….” I’m going to marry her “…..we, Jenny and I, notch up 54 years of…
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Ian Dugmore
I first met Rod at RAF Woodvale in 1973 when he became my flying instructor on what was then Manchester University Air Squadron. I was immediately struck by how much fun he was and how lucky I was to be one of his students. He demonstrated by his own example the ‘work hard – play hard’ ethic that set me off on my RAF career in what I have always considered to be the ‘proper’ way of doing things. It is an example I have sought to follow and to pass on to everyone I have worked with. He was a really good pilot and flying instructor. We all enjoyed flying with him and he got the best out of us. One of the highlights of flying with him was the ‘eyebrow olympics’ when he turned to face his students in the side-by-side seats in the Bulldog. Although he was patient to a fault, we often succeeded in frustrating him to the point where his eyebrows whooshed up and down like mad things as he explained for the umpteenth time what was required. We loved him for it. On one occasion in a Bulldog I tested…
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Jon Watt
Rod was just a fantastic person to be around – warm, witty, welcoming and got stuck into everything. From the moment I first met him, he always welcomed John’s moronic friends with charm, humour and patience. I remember playing golf with him and how much he enjoyed the chat – being “old in hair, young in spirit” – and giving that Rod chuckle. He leaves a loving family and a fund of excellent memories….
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Danny Heathwood
Rod was warm, funny and very kind. I’ve got great memories of him and Margaret hosting us on cycling trips in Lake Como with John. Great company, good food, lots of wine and frequent trips for gelato. Magical memories. Sending my love to the Newman family….
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Chris Hullin
Rod was one of those rare people who could put everybody at ease in his company. He was humorous, mischievous, generous in spirit and whenever I think about him I smile. I used to enjoy the conversations we had at the Drift golf club (rarely ever about golf) where he had an uncanny knack of saying something funny or perplexing whenever I was about to take my shot – what a pro! It was a delight to spend time in his company and I suspect he’s already busying himself up in heaven, probably hanging up cd’s on god’s washing line to scare away the pigeons (!!!). RIP Sir Rod….
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James McCluskey
Known to John’s friends as ‘Sir Rod’ he had an infectious personality. I have fond memories of playing some average golf with him, Rod less concerned with the scorecard and more interested in having a decent natter. Young at heart, he had a instant connection with everybody he met and will be fondly remembered by us all. RIP Sir Rod….
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Marc Lees
What a wonderful man, a life well lived and grateful to have been a small part of it. I remember the grace, humour and sense of knowing he emitted. Perhaps because John was the youngest of 4, or maybe he was like that all along. He’s a role model really. Seemed to take any of our ludicrous adventures with a pinch of salt, but somehow created loose order and enablement, with a sense of things being our responsibility too. Ahead of his time really. For some odd reason I remember him setting up a 15 year old lads sleepover with a Mr Snappy Pizza (it was square!) a sensible ration of beer which felt a bit dangerous at the time, and hot new film “Cape Fear”. He was brilliant wasn’t he. Love to Margaret, Phil, Cat, Sarah and John and all his family and friends. We were lucky to have Rod and that house as part of our growing up. Reading the other comments, his memory and influence will live far, wide and long. …
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Elizabeth and David Walls
Rod was a charmer. He had the gift of being able to talk to everyone, young and old, rich and poor and making them feel special. He also had a wicked sense of humour. On a hot summer’s day. Margaret was sunbathing — Rod was washing his car, he decided, against strenuous advice to the contrary, to hose down Margaret with icy, cold water. She did not speak to him for two days, an interesting beginning to a wonderful relationship between them I remember Rod dressing up as a ghost whilst we watched the firework display. He scared both us and the children as he peered in the window making moaning noises. He enjoyed a challenge, always prepared to have a try. Rod persuaded the foreman of a building site that he could definitely drive a dumper truck. When it careered into a brick wall,both he and his college mates received their cards. Fortunately in those days there were plenty of holiday jobs. He demonstrated his expert DIY skills when extending their bungalow in Poulton. Whenever there was something new to be tackled Rod would say ” No problem ” and help you sort things out. …..nothing was too…
