Harlan Willard Newell

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Newell, Harlan Willard "Bill" Nov. 30, 1916 - August 4, 2012 Died peacefully in his sleep, releasing him for a journey he was very ready to take. Survived by his wife of 63 yrs, Ria; their children, Rick (Cheryl), Lynne (Larry), Harley (Lisa); by 8 grandchildren and 2 great granddaughters. Born in Shaker Heights, OH, Bill graduated from Culver Summer Naval School, IN, Kent School, CT, Harvard College, Boston (the center of the universe!), and Case Western Reserve University (MBA), OH. A Major in the US Army, he served first in the Field Artillery, then in Military Government where he served as lead officer until discharge in 1946. He is an honorary citizen of Aschersleben, Germany - 1260 years old (the city, not Dad!) - which he liberated in WW II and then preserved from bombings; also where he met the love of his life! He was a petroleum geologist before the war - his love of geology never eroded. After marrying Ria in Munich, Germany, they returned to Cleveland, OH to raise their family while Bill worked as an executive in the automotive industry. He was very involved at Christ Episcopal Church, Shaker Hts, as a licensed layreader, a charter member of the Furnace Philosophers, Jr. and Sr. Warden, and as lead Beefeater in many Boar's Head Festivals at the Episcopal Cathedral. He retired with Ria to Highland Park in 1981 when their first grandchild was 6 months old. He was an avid fisherman, particularly on Trout Lake, "at the cabin", with Ria and off of Anna Maria Island in Florida. He volunteered as a Naturalist at Dodge Nature Center and particularly loved the Halloween guided tours. A golfer, he passed on his passion for the game to his wife (who continues to play), two children and many grandkids. He shared the Culver experience with all three children and three grandchildren. Another granddaughter received his passion for geology and is now a professor of geology in New York. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, Aug. 12th, 2-5 pm at Town & Country Club, 300 N Mississippi River Boulevard, St Paul. Please plan to share stories and memories. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Dodge Nature Center, W. St. Paul, or Sholom Hospice, St. Paul.

Published on August 8, 2012