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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Justin Walls
Rod was a large part of my life during my childhood years and the memories I have of him are many and overwhelmingly good. Several experiences stand out as still having a big impact on me today and I have described them briefly below. My Aunt and Uncle and cousins lived on the same road that I grew up on. Being only five minutes away I spent a lot of time with him and his family during my formative years and so in a large part he helped shape me into the person I am today. I am sure he gave me my love for fishing which I still have. I spent a Summer travelling around Scotland with the Newmans in their caravan and he took me on my first fishing trip – in a row boat at night. All went well on the fish front but I remember having to paddle frantically to shore when a whale surfaced close to the boat threatening to knock us into the water. As he did with all his kids he taught me to drive. His natural talent for teaching made this easy and I remember an eventful trip driving around Stanley…
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Jonathan Ratcliffe
Dear Margaret, Phil, Sarah, Cat & John, as you all know our family thought the world of Rod and fortunately like most, our memories of him were not limited to a brief spell at Masuas. For my part the friendship forged way back then grew over time extending to wife and kids who all consider themselves so fortunate to have got to know him individually. I, myself, remain grateful and humbled not just to have considered him a friend but also to have had him invest in my development when I needed it, as he did for so many others over the years. Truth be told, initially I think Rod actually “inherited” me as an Air Squadron student after a few of the other instructors deemed me “unteachable”. It was only due to his patience and humour ( plus a casual and shared disregard for most protocol) that allowed me to stay on at RAF Woodvale for the duration. His thirst for adventure and the sheer delight he drew in his students company meant we all warmed to him greatly and those friendships, in most cases, transcended decades. I still remember the day, over 20 years ago, he announced…
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Aldon Ferguson
Rod radiated a warmth and charm that was unique; always smiling and always with something to say in support, normally funny and always friendly. Wherever he went he left a trail of friends and memories that none of us will ever forget. The world has lost a true gentleman and such a telented and devoted man. Rod, I will miss you but never forget you. Margaret, Phil, Sarah, Cat and John my heart goes out to you and your families; he is irreplaceable and unforgettable….
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James Roden (Rodger Roden)
Hi to Rod’s Family I’m hoping you get this. I have met Margaret as I visited the house once as I will maybe remind you. Might have met a few more of you in London for Rods party. Hope you are all standing up well. I was Rod’s student at MASUAS in the early 2000s. He named me ‘Rodger Roden’ and soon became a very prominent role model and key player in my life. Besides being an excellent instructor, he was the quickest person I ever new at getting changed into his flying suit! He’d stroll in casually through the crew room, where I was often quaking in my flying boots. I soon learnt that I had approximately 20 secs left to finish my brew and try to commit to memory the flight checks I never knew! I have many excellent memories which would come out naturally over a beer, but one that I hold dear was when he realised I couldn’t afford to go to Val d isere , so I think he engineered an opportunity for me to earn it by paving his driveway with him 😂. Then I had a nice home cooked meal (thankyou Margaret)….
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Lloyd and Jane Evans
Tenerife proved to be our key to a remarkable life and a lovely person. We found ourselves neighbours at the Sunset Beach Club a few years back and looked forward each year to meeting up again. Thanks to all Rod’s many friends who have written in during the last few months, we have learned so much more about his career. It was wonderful to have been a small part of a wonderful life and our memories will not fade. We hope to see Margaret and the family in Tenerife in the years ahead. We take away a wonderful thought one of you posted that ‘we hope the angels know their checks’, enough said!…
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Peter and Catherine Newton
Our memories of Rod and Margaret are confined to our annual meeting, November/December in Tenerife. We had not known Rod for the numerous years that his many friends had known him. Being the modest man he was he largely kept his ” Boys Own ” fabulous adventures and life to himself however his family was an open book. He was immensely proud of Margaret, his children and grandchildren. We were as a couple virtually the same age with the same intensity of pride in our 3 children and 8 grandchildren that he had. This was the basis of our relationship and understanding of similar experiences. He had a lovely sense of humour, those magnificent eyebrow movements when he laughed and an understanding of what life really was about. His exploits others will recount but Catherine and I will remember Rod as a kind, thoughtful and empathetic man who engendered great respect. He was a true gentleman through and through and we will miss him greatly. To Rod’s memory❤️ Peter and Catherine Newton….
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Christine Matthews
Such sad news. I never thought I would be the sort of girl who went on skiing holidays, sampled red wine and steak in France or sailed round the Caribbean; Rod helped give me those opportunities and make fantastic memories for which I will forever be grateful. Sending love to all his family x…
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Nicola Steevenson
So saddened to read this. Consider myself very fortunate to have known and flown with Rod. What a great man who along with Rob, helped recruit so many into the Air Force, even those of us who didn’t know we wanted to join! So grateful for the skiing, sailing and so many fantastic memories. Sending much love to Margaret and all of the family. Rosie Xx …
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Emma Foot
A true inspiration. He took time to really get to know the students, our individual quirks and characters. He gave such valuable advice, support and encouragement at such a crucial point in our lives. He has and will continue, to shape the decisions, attitude and strength of character of so many of us. In his passing, he is no longer with us physically, but what an impact he will continue to have, through all those he engaged with….
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Tony Eyles
RIP Uncle Rod. Thanks for an amazing start. Truly inspirational to so many. I will never forget him. Even though he called me a silly bugger many times. Sending thoughts and best wishes to the family. He will stay airborne with us all in our hearts. …
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Duncan Read
My thoughts are with Rod’s family at this difficult time. I echo the words of everyone on here. He was an inspiration to so many budding aviators. An excellent instructor and a genuinely nice guy. RIP. …
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Colin Frost
I was one of the lucky Cadet Pilots under Rod’s stewardship at MASUAS in 85/‘86. (I studied Computer Engineering at Manchester Uni). After graduation (when I couldn’t afford to fly for a good while!), my career took me into the energy sector applying advanced technologies, much of it with BP. I ended up in Houston, TX and now run my own business. I never lost my love for flying, nor the great pleasure I get reminiscing on my short time at RAF Woodvale – Truly a privilege and Honour. I resumed flying after nearly 25 years , and as luck would have it, stumbled upon a Scottish Aviation Bulldog for sale – which I bought without hesitation. It’s amazing how many of the great lessons Rod gave me came flooding back! In fact, I hung on to the notes I made when the great man taught me and still occasionally refer to them today! Anyway, I just wanted to say I found Rod to be a great instructor, a very special leader and true mentor in life. I still hold so many fond memories of flights with him and conversations at formal silver service dinners at Woodvale. Wow! How…
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David Goodman
Sad, sad news; I have such fond memories of Rod. Thinking of you all. Dave …
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Rhiannon Davies
I only knew Rod for a relatively short time, but I have only happy memories of him. He was truly inspirational to many, whether in the air, at sea or on land. Sending thoughts and best wishes x …
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Euan Pob Johnstone
So much love for such a lovely man! Rod made me understand that I Could do it and brought the best out of me without me realising it. An exceptional gentleman who will be sorely missed. Generations of MASUAS alumni are better off for having had him in their lives. Godspeed!…
