Memories Book

Memories Book for O'Neil Newkirk Return to Memory Page

Posted By Ethan N. Barnett, Grand Haven MI on 1/12/2010

Sorry this is has taken so long to write but I have struggled with what to say about a man who, with his family, has so deeply affected my life in such a positive manner. Boots started his influence on by life even before I was born, during his first fours years of teaching he had my Aunt Sue and inspired her to love history (her post is below). His daughters taught me to swim, and I learned with his son and grandson how not to blow myself up, that has worked out for the last 20 or so years. I hope we can continue to be successful. Hunting with the family and the Thanksgiving Dinner that June would invariably invite me to partake in, because there was always plenty of food in that house, are memories I will always carry with me.

So what I can say about Boots Newkirk is this: He was a great American and as such he was the most successful man I have ever known. He did what all, great Americans should strive to do. He served his country both as a soldier and as a teacher. He improved the community in which he lived as a scout leader and a coach. He raised a great family who in turn raised great families (and it looks like that tradition will continue) as a dutiful father/grand father/great grandfather and a faithful husband.

His morality and faithfulness, especially towards June, were a compass that you could guide your life by (In truth I wish I would have paid a little more attention). His passing to join her has saddened me, but I know that Heaven is a better place for their presence there.

Posted By amy gunther-weiner, dunkirk,oh on 1/7/2010

To have him as a teacher for Michigan History, and the lesson of life itself, was the greatest honor. My deepest thoughts and prayers for his family. I remember he talk quite fondly of them, just as he did of the civil war reenactments and the big band era. I still think of him when I hear Glen Miller playing on the radio.

Posted By Lisa Schulte, Minneapolis, Minnesota on 1/7/2010

My sister Francine e-mailed me to let me know Mr. Newkirk had passed away. The first thing I thought - What it must be like in heaven, now that Mr. Newkirk joined my Mom and Dad and my sister Christine. I can only imagine what the conversations must be like. Like the rest of my brothers and sisters I too had Mr. Newkirk in class. To be honest - I do not remember much about the class - but I do remember Mr. Newkirk walking the hallways of MCC making sure that we were quiet during study hall. You could always hear Mr. Newkirk coming down the hallway and if you were quick enough you had time to stop doing what you were not suppose to be doing before he got to your table. I remember him being present at every sporting event - either coaching or just being part of the crowd...in fact typically all of the Newkirks were there. He was a great man and he made a posive impact on all of our lives. To the Newkirk family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
-Lisa
Unit 4 of the Schulte Crew

Posted By Steve, Clare on 1/4/2010

Grandpa Newkirk
1-3-09

It has not been difficult for even this public school administrator (easy Yanks) to figure out that Grandpa touched many lives in many different ways. Of course I had a little help in figuring this out, all I had to do was check out the memory page on the web site and watch the flow of well wishers come through the door last night, and to grasp the impact Grandpa had on so many people. So instead of trying to recall every funny moment, every great story, and every detail of the life of Grandpa, I have instead decided to take this opportunity to thank Grandpa. Maybe you will share some of the same thoughts with me as I try to get through this.

Thank you grandpa for serving your country, being a dedicated husband, a determined father, a loving grandfather and great grandfather, a teacher and a friend.

Thank you for being faithful to all of us. He was faithful to his career, and because of this there are a great many people out there who are better because of what they learned in his classroom and playing field each and every year. He had to be faithful even when one of his dear children made a bad choice around the house, like breaking a bed playing sock volleyball, or coming in late, or maybe even driving too fast. You figure out which one of the kids each of these events belongs to. He was a very faithful husband, even though the stories that were told by his wife never quiet matched his recollection. He was a faithful MCC Spartan, a faithful Tigers fan, and was very faithful to Barry Goldwater, even though Barry did not know it. Once Boots he was your friend, you knew you had a friend for life. Thank you Grandpa for sharing this trait with all of us.

Thank you for being adventurous. Can you imagine taking a trip with four kids around sight seeing the great country he served! Now imagine it with out the aid of cell phones, portable dvd players, McDonald’s, game boys, etc. Yeah scary huh, but he had no problem doing it because there was a lesson in every trip. I am also sure that there was more than one threat of pulling the car over to take care of business in the back seat. And of course one can not forget about the adventures camping, or playing soldier dressed all in wool in the middle of summer. Maybe not the smartest thing ever dreamed of but for Grandpa, it was an adventure that he wanted to share with his children and grand children. Thank you Grandpa for this trait, I think, as I am sure it has gotten all of us into hot water on more than one occasion, like trying to blow through a snow drift on a country road in the middle of winter.

Thank you for being gracious. Grandpa was thankful for every phone call, visit, and moment that he got to spend with family and friends. In fact the one memory that will stand with me for the rest of my life, will be the way he ended every phone call with me. He always said I love you too honey. But it was not just the words; it was more in the way they were spoken. Soft and with a lot of love and care. I always knew that these were true and heart felt. But Grandpa was gracious in many other ways as well. For instance he was the simplest of simple men. It was not about who had what and who did not, all were the same to him. He took pleasure in the simplest things in life, like drinking milk out of the jug, or eating Cobb salad with Grandma, down at the beach watching the ferry come in. A great day for grandpa was watching the Tigers win, or driving down to the grocery store to get more candy for the grandkids, or when he would have a house full of visitors, regardless of whether he and grandma were ready or not. He just loved life, he lived life, and got the most out of it, while having more then enough to make him happy. This is a trait that I need to work on myself and by the nodding of heads, I am sure there are others here today thinking the same thing.

Thank you for loving us for who we are and for letting us be us. None of us are perfect, never will be, and for grandpa that was just fine. Grandpa loved us, for who we are, not who we are not. He had no favorites, and it did not matter to him if you were a teacher, a secretary, or even an administrator. We were all dear to him. This was no where more evident then Christmas time. He and Grandma worked very hard to mark sure the exact same amount of money was spent on the gifts for everyone. And if someone was short you would find a present with a little extra cash in it just to make up the difference. Why was this, because we are all the apples of his eyes, not pies, Jimmy! Now while I never sat in one of his classes (probably a good thing for me and for Jeff) I am sure that many if not all of his students felt the same way. I can imagine that it did not matter to grandpa what a student’s last name was, or what clothes they wore, or what their parents did for a living, in his mind all of the students needed to learn a lesson that they would take along with them on their journey through life. It was not about who had what, or did not have what, but what grandpa could give them to make them a better person. He loved to listen and support us, regardless of whether he agreed with our opinions or not and never forced his opinion on us, unless it was about Rush Limbaugh or the best bomber ever built, because he loved us for who we are. I can assure you that this is a trait I will work on now more than ever, as I have thought about this more in the past week than ever, because of grandpa, he continues to do his work in me. Maybe this is a trait we all need to work on more.

I would like to share a scripture with you now that I believe embodies what Grandpa Newkirk was as a husband, father, grandfather, friend and teacher, and is the legacy that will continue to live on in all of us if we allow it to.

Read 1 Corinthians 13:4 – 7

Thank you Grandpa. Thanks for being a source of inspiration and leading all of us in the right direction which ever direction we choose. Every one of us is a better person in some way shape or form because of you. You will be missed by all of us here, but you are where you belong, in heaven with grandma, looking down, eating a Cobb salad, and thinking to yourself, look at all of those crazy people shedding a tear and for what??? Can you guess what Grandma would say, yeah lets not go there, I can already hear the disagreement now.

Posted By Debra (Spore), Arkansas on 1/4/2010

Mr. Newkirk was mu social studies teacher although we learned more about being social than the actual sudies. I had him for my driver's ed teacher and the things he taught, still are with me today. I have used his driving skills tips while stationed in Berlin, Germany and in Korea(what crazy roads they have there) and after 40 years of driving, am still accident free. I owe this to him and his crude and crazy ways of training. I remember when Ihad to parallel park in 3 spots in order to get an approval from him. After the 5th try, in front of Old Hamlin, he said, "Forget it, I'll pass you. Those people in there know me, and I don't want them to come out." Thank heaven for that.

Posted By Janice Coker Proctor, Montague Mi on 1/4/2010

Mr. Newkirk was my drivers training teacher in 1975. I remember how hard parking was and when I finally did it right, he yelled yea! so loud I almost smashed the car behind me. He will always be in my memories as with many kids that he taught. What a great man.

Posted By Anna(Peterson)Miteen, P.O.Box295Willis,Mich on 1/4/2010

Mr.Newkirk was one of my daughters favorite teachers in high school.The memorials left by his students speak volumes as to the beloved teacher he was. My condolences to the entire family Anna

Posted By D. Nash, Currently San Fran Bay on 1/3/2010

I don't know where to begin. It wasn't very long ago I posted a note on a Ludington web page concerning the whereabouts of Mr Newkirk. I felt the need to thank him for his style of teaching years ago in the mid 70's. He was the one that unknowingly guided me towards the Military, 11 years and 15 countries later, I thank him. I thought of Mr Newkirk as my wife and I travel the United States this past year, he was the one teacher that put me behind the wheel and said "let's go, can you drive?" I said no, because of his skill and kind words, driving has been a pleasure, the 25,000 miles traveled this year alone has been smooth and accident free, a learning experience for sure. The rich history of our country that you insisted we learn has been a eye opening experience, from Michigan to Kentucky, the mountains and valleys of the 'left coast'. You taught us right and wrong, black and white with no gray, be responsible. Finally, by your service to our county when she called, the example was set again, some of us heard the same call, we responded just as you did, once again was it your stories? or was it expected that we also give back? Didn't get to share these words with you Mr Newkirk, but your memory will remain with me for years to come, thank you.

Posted By Bob and Ann Bennett, Scottville, Michigan on 1/2/2010

We are sorry to not be able to make it to the celebration/remembrance of Boots. He truely was one of a kind, he will be missed, and always considered a good friend. We remember you as a family in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob,Ann and Robin Bennett

Posted By Bob Tracy class of 65, Chelsea Michigan on 1/1/2010

I remember More the Scouting adventures with boots than I do the high School days. Probably cause I was more interested in the outdoors. The canoe trips around the state in the early 60's were the best. His camp cooking skills were unsurpassed.

What struck me the most and has lasted to this day, Is how he expected his students and scouts to always give each situation their best effort. Nothing less would do. Hard work and dependability was its own reward. He was a task master from the old school, and will surely live on in our memories and our lifes' accomplishments.

May he be remembered fondly by all those who knew him and whose lives he touched - He was one of a Kind!

Posted By Patti Lundberg, Waukesha, WI on 12/31/2009

I could hardly wait to be a senior so I could attend Mr. Newkirk's class. (Never did we call him "Boots" until we had our diploma in hand). To this day I am not sure how much Government I learned in his class, but the life lessons he shared can not be measured. What a "True Gem".
My deepest sympathies to the family.

Posted By Margaret Schulte, Lansing, Michigan on 12/31/2009

Cindy and the rest of the Newkirk gang, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Your Dad was a favorite teacher of mine, and one of the reasons I majored in history at CMU. I learned so much from him about teaching, history and life. And as I said to Cindy, even though he blamed Demcrats (and, in turn, me) for all wars, I still loved him.

There weren't any teachers better than Mr. Newkirk and my Mom. I cherish all the fond memories.

Posted By Chris Garlick, Custer, Michigan on 12/31/2009

Neither uncle boots, nor "mama june" ever truly retired from teaching, for the examples they showed by how they lived their life and raised their family are lessons everyone should learn.
Some of the many lessons i learned from uncle boots, were the "k.i.s.s." method; mind over matter,(not allowing myself to be too cold or too hot); and "don't sweat the small stuff", (he preached this long before any of the books on the subject were ever written).
I had uncle boots as one of my teachers at M.C.C., but i never became a "former" student, because he was still teaching whenever i visited. I have read many of the comments written by former students and others whose lives he influenced, and i feel greatly fortunate that i am not only one of these students but also a nephew.
I feel it truly fitting to say that the world is a better place thanks to Boots and June Newkirk and the proof is in the legacy left behind in their family.
Thanks uncle boots, my parallel parking skills are second to none!

Posted By Patsi Wertz, Wyoming, Michigan on 12/31/2009

I remember Mr. Newkirk being my teacher in high school. That was 25 years ago. I remember somebody in my class fell asleep in the front row. When Mr. Newkirk noticed he was snoozing, he quietly went to his closet and got a huge metal pan and slowly walked over to the sleeping student and dropped the pan on the floor in front of him. I don't think I've laughed so hard in my life. It's amazing I can still remember that day just like it was yesterday. :)

Posted By SANDRA[SEITZ]BENTZ, GEORGETOWN,TEXAS on 12/30/2009

MY FIRST DAY OF DRIVER'S TRAINING, MR. NEWKIRK SAID "YOU KNOW HOW TO DRIVE". I REPLIED THAT I DID NOT. HE INSISTED THAT I MUST, AND TOLD ME TO DRIVE FORWARD, SO I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND WE WENT INTO THE DITCH. AT THAT POINT HE SAID "YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO DRIVE". HERE WE ARE A FEW YEARS LATER [CLASS OF 1959] AND I AM STILL A GOOD DRIVER. YOUR FAMILY HAS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY, IT IS VERY HARD TO LOSE OUR PARENTS.

Posted By Shawn MacFarlane, Paris, MI on 12/30/2009

I am writing this for my mother, Laura Jean (Staffen) MacFarlane. Mom, grew up with Boots and over the years quite a few stories of their "Stanwood Gang" have been told by her! Ultimately, no matter what the story, Boots always has been known to us as the big, kind, funloving character who made sure the others didn't go too far in their "fun"! Mom tells: "Boots was always the one to look out for Lois (her dear friend Lois (Porter) Carpenter) and I... we would end up places, like with all the Stanwood boys at a nighttime wienie roast down by the river, and if anyone dared get out of line with us girls, Boots would knock their heads! Why he always thought he had to be our protector, who knows, but he was...that was just Boots, being Boots... looking out for everyone, caring about everyone".

Over the years, I have heard tell of Boots Newkirk so often and so fondly. I am so sorry that I never made the short trip to Scottville to meet him and now after reading his story and the tremendous rememberances of this incredible gentleman, I truly kick myself! From the entire MacFarlane family and especially mom, our deepest condolences to the Newkirk family, the community and the countless lives that I see were touched in such a positive way by Boots. If we all, like him, could only leave this world a better place for our being here.

Posted By Eric Dolson, Arizona on 12/30/2009

During high school it was not common for me to look forward to going class. However, Michigan History was one I wish I could have taken every period of the day. In reading his full life story on the previous page, I still have much to learn from him. I am a richer person to have known Mr. Newkirk, and to have had him as a teacher.

Posted By Tom House, Harrison on 12/30/2009

Although I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Newkirk, I have had the opportunity to work with several members of his family. When I read the obituary it was apparent that Mr. Newkirk was a very remarkable person. He leaves a tremendous legacy in the form of his family members who learned from him and in the form of those students he impacted over a long career in education. On behalf of my family and the entire Harrison Community Schools family I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the Newkirk family for the loss of their patriarch. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.

Posted By Shirley, Petoskey, Michigan on 12/30/2009

I as well as many also had Mr NewKirk "Boots" for a teacher. Unlike many teachers, Boots taught alot from experience. He loved what he did and because of that, he influenced alot of people in many different ways. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of he NewKirk family at this time of loss.

Posted By Dianne Fay, Hastings, Michigan on 12/30/2009

95% of all I ever learned about cooking outside over a wood fire for 20 people, I learned from Boots, while listening to his many stories. Those who never met him have missed knowing one of the finest men I have ever had the privilege of spending time with. My condolences to the entire family.

Posted By Max Anderson, Platteville, WI on 12/30/2009

Mr. Newkirk had the most influence on me of anyone while I was growing up. He was a boy scout leader, basketball coach, and teacher in church and school. I have vivid memories of my experiences in all of these activities. The times we spent camping and canoeing as boy scouts bring back some of the fondest memories of growing up in Michigan. He is the person I admired and respected the most. My condolences to the Newkirk family.

Posted By Tim Schramm, Pinckney, Michigan on 12/30/2009

When I graduated High School in Scottville in 1965, along with Mr. Newkirk's oldest son, Jim, A.O. Carlson said in his graduation speech to the class that we, the graduates, were Scottville's most valuable resource. I have thought about that many times over the years since and have always come to the conclution that it was because of people like Mr. Newkirk that it was truthfully that way. There were others, lots of others, but Mr. Newkirk is at the top of my list. He was the Cub Scout guy, the Boy Scout leader, a coach and a teacher. I can't think about growing up in Scottville without thinking of him in some way. Everyone who graduated from Scottville High School in those 37 years was touched by him and most, if not all, are better people today for it.

I feel blessed having had him in my village growing up and I'm sure that I'm not the only one. Thanks Coach.....God speed to you!

Posted By Karen Sparks, Washington D.C. on 12/30/2009

In addition to being my teacher, Mr. Newkirk was also a neighbor. It was the winter of 1976. Their next door neighbor had moved away and left behind a pregnant dog tied out to a doghouse. I was 12 at the time, but took on the duty of going over twice a day to keep her area clean and to give her food & water. Apparently Mr. Newkirk had been keeping an eye on things. He called my parents to tell them what I had been doing and complimented me on my devotion to this dog. I do believe that he was the first adult to recognize my love for animals. His praise meant so much and I have carried it with me always. This may be one of the reasons that I have spent the past 25 years working at Animal Hospitals, plus an assortment of many other dog related jobs. Thank you Mr. Newkirk, and I hope that you were greeted at the gate with lots of puppy kisses from all of my departed canine friends.

Posted By Holly (Merrill) Rowley, Grand Rapids, MI on 12/30/2009

Oh Mylanta! Where does one start?! Mr. Newkirk was one in a million. Two of my favorite words of wisdom include: "the best way to end war is to make a rule that you can't start one until you've paid for the last one." "Racism would not exist if everyone married someone outside their own race." At the end of class on Friday, he always said, "have a good weekend. Stay out of jail." One time a classmate (Larry Graham, by chance?) was messing around and Mr. Newkirk bellowed, "What's the matter, Graham, you got a hole in your sock?". No, replied Larry. "Well, then how do you get your foot in it?" !!!!!
I have to confess there were times I had gum in my mouth in class and hid it behind my back teeth, but lived in terror of getting caught. He was definitely "old school" and commanded respect and obedience. I'm grateful for what he invested in us and for the legacy he left!

Posted By JoAnn(Mugford)Simmons, Ludington, Michigan on 12/29/2009

He was a very special person and teacher to all of us who were forunate enough to know him. I will never forget one Holloween some of us pulled into his driveway to pull a prank when out of know where an arm came thru the drivers window and pulled out the keys. He thought he had us but someone had a spare set of keys. The next time after that in one of his classes I got this knowing smile and a slight shake of his head. Please accept my deepest sympath in the loss of your loved one. I am only one out of the of MCC class of 1959 that will have fond memories of Mr. Newkirk.

Posted By Mickey Van Baale, Newton, Iowa on 12/29/2009

While I didn't know Grandpa Newkirk for very long, I found him to be a truly wonderful, interesting man. I am so glad that I was able to spend Thanksgiving with the Newkirk family this year and spend some quality time visitng with him. My heart goes out to his entire family as they all loved him so dearly, but I also rejoice that he has joined Gramma Newkirk in heaven.

Posted By Jon Scott, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida on 12/29/2009

I have many, many memories of Coach Newkirk, Mr. Newkirk, and when I got old enough, Boots. My favorite is when I happened to see him soon after Pioneer Village was built and we talked about my love of history which began in his classroom. I was a Civil War nut at the time and that gave us much in common since I had lived in the Washington, DC area and visited all of the famous Eastern battlefields. The seed he planted grew to where Ancient History is now my favorite hobby. I only wish I could have sat down with him after all the years of reading and studying ancient American sites, Stonehenge, and the Celtic burial sites in Ireland. Of course, we would have disagreed as we often did in class, but that was what he was all about - he made you think and learn and I have never stopped since. Thank you, Mr. Newkirk, for being an important part of my growing up. You and Dad were not all that far apart.

Posted By Lori Stream - MCC '87, Grand Rapids on 12/29/2009

My family lived down the road from Boots in Fairview Subdivision, so naturally I got an A in his class. It was alway fun when Boots got bored on a Saturday and lit off the cannon in the neighborhood! Occasionally I find myself quoting Boots "Throw Money...The kind that Floats".

His classes were always an experience...you never knew what he was going to do next! Trust me...I KNOW DECEMBER 7 is Pearl Harbor day after he took off his boot and pounded it on his desk and just about gave all of us a heart attack! What a Great Teacher!

My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family at their tremendous loss.

Posted By Cindy Newkirk Yenkel, Clare, Michigan on 12/29/2009

What awesome parents I was blessed with! From my mom I inherited compassion, creativity, romance, organization, and humor. I inherited determination, values, and words from wisdom from my dad. May I lead a rich life based upon his teachings:
1. An intelligent person is one who learns from experience and deals with his environment in an adaptive manner.
2. You are only as sick as you allow yourself to be.
3. The B29 is the best airplane ever.
4. Barry Goldwater should be president.
5. Walter Cronkite was the best anchorman.
6.Establish a monetary budget and stick to it.
7. Grant was the best Civil War General.
8.Always give 110% of your ability.
9. Creep and turn when you parallel park.
10.Always play with reckless abandon.
11. Peanut butter and lettuce create the best sandwich known to mankind.
12.Spend cherished time with family.
13. Always honor your marriage vows with your whole heart.
Love you dad,
Cindy

Posted By Karen Barnett Lynn, Hart MI on 12/29/2009

I had Mr. Newkirk for a teacher for all four years of my highschool. He was so very special to me. He brought out my love for history which helped me in later years to do my genealogy. For that I will always be thankful.
God Bless the Newkirk family.

Posted By John Clark, Sherwood,Mi on 12/29/2009

Boots was the most honarible and honest person that I have met. I going to miss the smiles, the greetings, the beanie weenies and the olive loaf for sandwiches. Boots will be missed by everyone of us that had the pleasure to meet him and to learn from him.

Posted By Donna Rhine Neuman, Shelby, MI on 12/28/2009

Anyone who had Mr. NewKirk for a teacher will have many memories of him! Two of my most vivid memories are (1) if anyone fell asleep in his class he would either drop a book on the desk or on the floor next to the sleeping person and (2) he told our senior class not to depend on Social Security because it wouldn't be there! My condolences to all the family, he was a kind man!

Posted By Pember Andresen, Statesville, NC on 12/28/2009

Mr. Newkirk was my class advisor in 1956. He was also my JV basketball coach. I was in the 8th grade during his first year of teaching in Scottville. I knew him before he became a teacher and when I first saw him in school I ran up to him and exclaimed "Hi Boots"! He qucikly but gently told me that I should call him Mr. Newkirk. I enjoyed visting with him at his home after our class reunion in 2001. He enjoyed telling us about his Civil War re-enactment activities. Although our communication was intermittent, I always considered him a friend.

Posted By Edward Young, Lake Saint Louis, MO on 12/28/2009

Mr. Newkirk was my teacher for history,economics, football, and driver's ed. He will always be remembered as an influential teacher. I will always remember how kind and patient he was (not!!!) with a first time driver or a freshman football player!

Posted By Linda (Gorig) Lawson, Flushing, MI on 12/28/2009

Mr. Newkirk was a wonderful teacher and quite an influence on me. I have my wonderful parallel parking skills because of him. I couldn't quite get the hang of it so went back to him long after I had my driver's license and he patiently took me back out and we parked the car over and over again until I got it. To this day,I think of him every time I park my car. Thank you, Mr. Newkirk, for all that you gave to me. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Know how much he meant to all of us at MCC.

Posted By Carolyn Ptaszenski, Ludington MI on 12/28/2009

Dear Jim and Connie, please accept my sincere sympathies. May the good Lord bless him and be happy in the knowledge that he is reunited with his family in God. May the love an prayers of your family and friends sustain you now and in the days to come. Your memories of the many happy times spent with you Dad will help you through those lonesome days. Many Blessings to all your family.

Posted By Warren Reader, Minneapolis, Minnesota on 12/28/2009

Mr. Newkirk had a profound impact on us during our years at MCC. He challenged us and supported us, always in a positive manner. Mr. Newkirk was a great teacher, role model, mentor and friend to many.

My thoughts and prayers are with the NewKirk family during this difficult time.

Posted By Susan Hendrickson, Fountain, MI on 12/28/2009

An awesone teacher.... he taught his students about the real world and gave us advise on living in it, not just the required learning. He is the one teacher who was able to get me to "talk back" and not be SO shy. He will forever by in my thoughts. Take care (to his family),

Posted By Laurie Newkirk-Bedford, Midland,MI on 12/28/2009

It would take years to put all of the memories that I have of my Grampa on this memory page. The one memory that came to mind while sitting at the computer was of Gramma and Grampa together. Anyone that knows Grampa, knows that he loved to tell stories. However, he seldom ever had them right (according to Gramma)! Grampa would start telling a story that should have taken minutes to tell, but Gramma had to make sure he got all the details right. I cannot remember how many times I heard, "Dammit June. I am telling the story!" That would not stop Gramma, who would again interject to make sure that you were told the story correctly. A story that should have taken a few minutes turned into a 1/2 hour story. We all know that Grampa's true love in life was Gramma and that he missed her terribly. They are together now and he does not have to miss her anymore. He gave us comfort and security after Gramma left us but knew that we could take care of ourselves now. My grampa is a wonderful man full of love and understanding. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. "Grampa...I love you and know that you are holding Gramma close and smiling down on us!!"

Posted By Carol (Hall) Turner, Fairburn, Georgia on 12/28/2009

I have great memories of Mr. Newkirk. My folks place is just across the highway from the Newkirks. Cindy and I played together a lot, as well as with Loretta (Shafer) Cory. I'd walk over there or Cindy would come to my place. I had the best hill for sledding. Mr. Newkirk will be greatly missed.

Posted By Rosanna Miller, Raleigh, NC on 12/28/2009

I am the former Rosanna Gall, Norman and Wilma Gall's daughter. Boots and June were both my teachers at Scottville HS and then also MCC as it changed in my Jr. year. I think of them often with fondness and joy. They were an asset to the Scottville community and I am thankful they were in my life.

Posted By Chuck Tracy - MCC '71, Chesapeake, VA on 12/28/2009

There were two Tracy boys in Scottville, myself and my brother Bob. Bob was 6 years my senior and for my entire MCC high school experience, I was Bob Tracy (not Chuck).. on the sports field, in the classroom, at Pinkerton's Drugs ,,it didn't matter. Boots always called me Bob!

About 10-15 years ago, my brother & I ran into Boots at the Park Dairy in Ludington, with both of us present, a very puzzled look on his face,, and for the first time in my life, he called me Chuck! We all had quite a laugh.

He was a very warm part of my Scottville memories and helped shape many of our lives.
Thoughts and prayers to the Newkirk family!

Posted By M. James Keenan Family MCC '82, Jerome, Arizona on 12/28/2009

First Day of class... "Everyone open your books to page (I forget). Doric, Ionic, Corinthian. Got it? Good. Now close your books and put'em under your seat. If the principle comes in and asks if we've ever used our books you can say yes without it being a lie. Now. What was the price of Gold today?" and so began our World Experience with Mr Newkirk. He has been and will continue to be a tremendous influence on me. I am grateful to have been lucky enough to cross his path.

Posted By Sarah, Shelby on 12/28/2009

No words could ever describe the loss that I feel or the happiness Grampa has in Heaven with Gramma. I already miss talking to him every day on the phone, but I'm so thankful that we had many good conversations and that he ALWAYS told me he loved me before he hung up. I wish I didn't have to wait so long to see him again. I know he touched many peoples' lives, but I feel so humbled and blessed that I could call him Grampa. I will always love him.

Posted By Ray Castillo Jr, Scottville,Mich on 12/28/2009

My memory is how patient he was with all of us during our drivers training.I'm surprised he did not end up wearing a neck brace after we were done.Mr. Newkirk is now probably training our good Lord how to drive.May he rest in peace.My prayers go out to all of his family.