Obituaries

Michael Newman: 1950 - 2012

Newman died unexpectedly of an aneurysm March 30 in his South Pas home. He is remembered for his generosity, fun spirit and refereeing at AYSO.

Long-time South Pas resident and professional photographer Michael Newman died unexpectedly of an aneurysm March 30 at his home, reports the L.A. Times. He was 61.

Newman was a AYSO referee for many years and involved in several other activities around the community. Those who knew him say he will be forever remembered for his fun spirit and generous demeanor. 

His good friend and South Pas resident Jennifer Bedford writes in an email to Patch: 

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Michael Newman was one of the special ones. The one whose smiling face and happy crinkled eyes you always hoped to see poking through a crowd, a sheaf of papers sticking out his back pocket and his camera around his neck. This community lost a jewel last week. The dad who, although his kids Blair ( 10th) and Jesse ( 7th) were already in the back seat of his Explorer, waited until the darkness dropped heavy after a dance or a soccer game or a cast party, to make sure every kid had a ride home. I can still see his head popping out that window: "You have a ride home?" "Your mom or dad coming?"

He was a mensch. He followed you home if there was something caught in your axle, he texted you in the night if you left your car window down, he photographed your children and then dropped off professional grade prints in your mailbox. He e-mailed you exact details of how to best grill salmon. He was casual and inclusive. He was funny, amenable, totally available to the moment. He was kind, he took life in stride and reminded you to always do the same. 

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Newman's full bio can be found here, via the L.A. Times. 

Born June 29, 1950 in Los Angeles to Wilfred and Marie Newman, he attended SF Art Institute and the Brooks Institute of Photography, becoming a respected professional photographer. Michael adored his wife Margo and his children Rose (dec.), Blair, and Jesse. He is remembered for his generosity, sense of fun, and refereeing at AYSO. He is also survived by his grandchildren Carson and Riley McElroy, son-in-law Scott McElroy and family, and sister and brother-in-law Lynn and Chris Gary and their family.

Services were held April 1 at Home of Peace. Contributions may be sent to the Rose N. McElroy Fund at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, WA.

What will you remember most about Michael? 


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