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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Ann and David Harrison
Rod was a good friend and a wonderful caring person. It was a privilege to have known him. Our thoughts are with his wife Margaret and family. Ann and David Harrison …
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James Meakin
Well I’m not going to dwell on my heavy heart reading this, I’m going to dwell on the amazing influence you’ve had on so many people and just how unforgotten you will always be to so many….. I for one hadn’t realised just how much I had been drifting along in my formative years until your gentle nudging and passive guidance helped me realise I hadn’t yet found myself… the journey I’ve been on has been one of breaking shackles, standing tall, laughing, smiling, keeping it real and staying focused….these are things your helped me aspire too. Like most people on this group, I’ve not doubt that simply to be recognised by yourself as someone worth keeping in touch with was in some way an honour, what a group that must be in person…. I can honestly say I think about you often and the little lessons I picked up from you along the way, I think I’ve finally shaken off the agricultural aspects of my approach to life and most of the worst bits of the monster! (But don’t worry, not all of them!) There was no showing off with you, there was always a strong family and…
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Thomas Bould
You have been such an incredible inspiration to all of us, those who joined the RAF and those that went into other fields. We all owe so much to your guidance and direction. Our time at MASUAS was so memorable and enjoyable and that was down to you. I look back at the friendships that were made, the sailing trips, the skiing trips and the flying with such fondness. You are such a lovely, kind and thoughtful person and I just want to say thank you. My time at university would not have been the same without you. Tom Bould…
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Roger Elliott
Along with being a role-model for all of us, I think thay Rod had two wonderful qualities, the first of which was his ability to bring people together. Most of my memories of him are times shared with other people, many of whom have already contributed to this book, doing things around the flying. I flew 66 times with Rod during my time on MASUAS, but this was not what I most valued about him. The most memorable of our flights was a trip to RAF Sealand from RAF Woodvale on 15th June 1995. We did this purely so that Rod could arm-twist the administrative staff there to release some money to help fund a hiking trip to the French Alps. Funding secured, 6 of us MASUASians (?) spent 2 weeks together in the mountains. Rod’s second outstanding quality was his ability to make the extraordinary, ordinary. Flying, sailing and skiing seemed perfectly natural to us fortunate bunch. When Rod hosted my family and I at Brooklands in May 2019, I saw exactly the same reaction in my children; sitting in Mika Häkkinen’s Formula 1 car and the cockpit of the Concorde were perfectly normal and natural things for…
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Louise & Richard Heap
Lovely Newman family, We are heartbroken for your loss. For our loss. He was a lovely man who shaped so many lives. We all have such fond memories of our MASUAS days, with Rod such a huge part of them. You are all in our thoughts. As is Rod, always. Sent with much love,Louise & Richard Heap…
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Dai Whittingham
Dear Margaret, Phil, Sarah, Cat and John, We knew this day would come but it is still very sad news. It is good to know he was with you all and at peace. You do not need me to tell you what a special person Rod was but I hope the knowledge that he touched so many lives in such a good way will be of some comfort to you. I think you also know that there is a whole host of people out there who will help if they can, you only have to ask. Thinking of you all, Best wishes, Dai…
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Ricardo Cobelli
I just feel privileged to have known him so well and to have so many happy memories. Here he is enjoying himself with his ’team’ and Sir Chris. My thoughts are with his family, Ricci….
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Cassie Goldman
Dear Newman family, We were all dreading this news. He was the most amazing man. I send you all my love. Cassie x…
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Roger Elliott
Lots of Love to you all.What a truly amazing and wonderful man. Roger Elliott…
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Jerry Shirley
My Dear Margaret, Phil, Sarah, Cat and John What can one say? REST IN PEACE ROD. Like you, we all loved him and cherished his friendship. All these messages and feelings are testament to this very special man. You must be very proud to be part of his family and can rest assured he was unique in his ability to communicate not only knowledge and skills but also warmth and genuine friendship. I probably am one of the ones who actually knew him least but cannot hold back my tears at our loss. With Margaret, four children and eight grandkids, I am confident his special warmth will live on as will his memory. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and PLEASE keep in touch? Cheers …
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Chris Underwood
Dear Margaret,Phil, Sarah, Cat and John That is the news we’re desperately hoping wouldn’t come. Sending all my love to the family and remembering the splendid man Rod was. Sad doesn’t even come close to how I feel but I can say how proud I was to have known him and how many memories I have of him. No doubt restrictions mean we cannot pay our last respects but I very much that in the not too distant future we can come together at a memorial to remember a life so well lived and a man so well loved. All the bestChris…
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Lesley Lambert
Very sorry to hear about Rod’s death. His bravery throughout his illness has been an example to us all. Much love to Margaret and family at this sad time. Lesley and Colin …
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Simon Bachelor
Dear Margaret, Phil, Sarah, Cat and John, So sad to hear the news, our condolences. I have very fond and vivid memories of Rod, which will be lasting. Sympathies at what must be a difficult time. I am fortunate to have been able to introduce my family to Rod and Margaret, times we will remember. Love from Simon, Jo, Gaby and Elsie…
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Steve Barabash
Rod was such a nice guy. Heart break for all his family. Our sincere condolence to them from Steve Barabash Friday Concorde…
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Claire Webster
Dear All, Can never be prepared for the news when it comes, my heartfelt condolences to you all at this incredibly difficult time. I am grateful in a way that we had some time to all make sure Rod knew how much he was loved and appreciated. He has hundreds of students out there living his messages and passing on all of his great influence. His character will live on in all of us, and his wonderful family most of all. We will continue doing him proud and hopefully will give us even more of a push to spread his values as far and as much as we can, in our life and work. Sending all my love to you all Claire Xxx…
