Obituary of Robert Wright Newell

NEWELL: Robert Wright. A resident of Rondeau Park and formerly of Mississauga, Rob passed stoically of cancer at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at the age of 76. Born in London, son of the late Harold and Mary (Flesher) Newell. Beloved husband of Audrey (Pole) Newell. Father of Dr. Mike Newell and his wife Erin of Chatham, and Melanie Newell and her husband Gregg Erwin of Ottawa. Proud grandfather of Laura, Maddie, Grace, Lee, Anese, and Genevieve. Brother of Mary Ann Fries of London, and Norah Rows and husband Don of London. Rob retired from Carnation/Nestle's in Toronto following over 30 years of service. He was a life-long member of the Rondeau Cottagers Association and a former Board Director during the most recent lease extension in 1986. Rob brought the same focus and enthusiasm that he had for his career to his family and friends by organizing many events that always brought people together. Proud organizer and convenor of annual events including the Royal Rondeau Shuffleboard Tournament, Rondeau Smeltorama & Euchre Tournament, Stormy Lake Hunt Camp Games, The Denise Road Annual Pistol Shoot, Neighbourhood Trivia Nights, and Garage Sales. Rob was renowned for crafting custom trophies (often made of Rondeau driftwood) that have become prized possessions to their recipients. The Newell family would like to extend thanks and gratitude to the caring staff on the Surgical/Medical/Continuing Care floors of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and the London Health-Sciences Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rob's honour to the Foundation of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance would be appreciated. A celebration of Rob's life will be held at the Blenheim Community Golf Course, 439 Chatham St. S., Blenheim on Saturday, July 6, 2013 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. with words of remembrance at 4:00 p.m. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown, Ontario (519)674-3141.