Mike Newman, a Moab resident since 2002, peacefully passed away at home on December 22, 2017, at the age of 64 after a long battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Mike was born on March 31, 1953, in the western hills of Virginia. His life was enriched by growing up in an Air Force family and being able to live in places like South Dakota, Cape Cod and Alaska, where he developed his love of skating. His family settled in Newport News, Virginia. Mike graduated from Denbigh High School in 1971, and excelled in both varsity wrestling and football.
Of all the things he did, Mike said, he loved sailing the best. Many years were spent exploring the local tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay with friends and family. His love of music and art started when he was a bass player for a cover band called “The Injuries” in his early teens. Having a passion especially for contemporary blues music, he would go to see live bands whenever he had the opportunity.
Mike moved to Moab in 2002 after falling in love with the red rock landscape. He and his wife of almost 30 years, Wendy, loved to go on adventures, and would travel as much as self-employment would allow.
Most importantly, Mike had a career he absolutely enjoyed. He loved to paint. After serving an apprenticeship after high school in the Newport News Shipyard, he started his own painting business at the age of 21 in Virginia. In 2002, he opened his Mike Newman Paint Contractor business in Moab.
With his quiet sense of humor and rugged good looks, Mike will leave behind many friends, clients and community members that will miss his wit, and especially his courage that he showed fighting this beast of a disease.
Mike is survived by his wife Wendy (Gilmont) Newman; a daughter, Allison Izaksonas (Tzvi); and grandson Oscar Izaksonas. He is also survived by his mother Joyce Morefield; a brother, Greg Newman (Debbie Carter); and sisters Cindy Newman, Gina Shaffer (Jay Warrington), Cheryl Silence and Lisa O’Brien (John). He was preceded in death by his father Mansel “Woody” Newman, and grandparents Pauline and Shelton Morefield.
An open house celebration of his life will take place in his home on Saturday, December 30, from 4 to 8 p.m. at 1970 Adobe Court.
He asked that donations in his honor be made to the Huntsman Cancer Institute hematological research department, where his body will be used to help understand his rare disease. You can contribute to “Team Newman,” where Wendy will be running the Salt Lake Marathon to raise money for this specific research. Donations may also be made locally to Grand County Hospice.
To contribute to Team Newman, go to: https//us-p2p.netdonor.net/343/slcmara/8482/team-newman.
