Obituary of Roland Thomas Newsome

Roland Newsome passed away peacefully early in the morning of Friday, May 8, 2009 at the age of 91 years. Roland was born in Edmonton, Alberta and attended both Garneau and Strathcona high schools. While still in high school, the family moved to the Cloverdale area where he and his two brothers (Ab and Clyde) excelled in all sports, especially hockey. Destined for the NHL, he instead joined the navy in 1940. Originally based out of Halifax, he served on the corvette ‘St Laurent’, escorting convoys crossing the North Atlantic. While on home leave in 1942, he became engaged to Esther Hobeck, his companion in life for 65 years. After the war, he began work with the government as a mineral assessor for Northern Alberta. Subsequently, he became chief Landman for BA Oil (later Gulf and Conoco Phillips). After a brief period in Calgary, Roland was transferred to Regina, Saskatchewan, where he made many lifelong friends, and as always, enjoyed curling, golfing, hunting, and fishing. He moved back to Calgary in 1966 where he retired from Gulf Oil after 31 years. Roland was a superb sportsman, devoted husband, wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will fondly be remembered as the Patriarch of the Newsome family, whose wonderful sense of humour, boundless energy, kindness and generosity will be missed by all who were fortunate to know him. Roland will be lovingly remembered by his two sons, Donald and David and their wives Helen and Madeline. Roland was a much adored grandfather to his six grandchildren, Jennifer (Steve), Sarah (Doug), Andrew (Laura), Christopher (Lisa), Nicky (Dave), and Jillian; four great-grandchildren Spencer, Paige, Ben, and Mariah; and two step-great grandchildren, Austin and Josie. Roland was predeceased by his wife Esther. Memorial Services will be held at Living Spirit United Church (629 – 49th Avenue S.W.) on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119-14 St N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 (403.264.5549, www.heartandstroke.ca). The family would like to thank the caring staff at Rockyview hospital and Staywell Manor, for their compassionate care. In living memory of Roland Newsome, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.