DR. WILLIAM THOMSOM NEWNHAM

DR. WILLIAM THOMSOM NEWNHAM Family, friends and "Senecans" are mourning the loss of founding President William T. Newnham who died August 23, 2014 after living so richly for 91 years. As one of the original college presidents in Canada, Dr. Newnham helped forever change the landscape of post-secondary education in this country. Under his leadership, Seneca College in Toronto grew to become the envy of the college system. Dr. Newnham and Seneca's faculty and staff worked hard to give their diplomas meaning, so when Seneca students graduated they could be proud of their diploma and know it would open doors. It did and will continue to do so for many years to come. Bill's life revolved around his two great passions: the love of his life of 66 years, Marein ("Bird") and his family. Together Bill and Bird were an unbeatable team who lived their lives together from a place of deep gratitude and appreciation. They viewed each day and each situation as an opportunity with infinite promise. They felt that they had won the lottery of life, enjoying all the rich blessings that were bestowed upon them: health, family, happiness, life challenges that afforded them the opportunity to deepen their faith and formidable opportunities to serve others. Bill will always be remembered for his love of life, his ability to inspire others to greatness, for his laughter, his love of ice cream, the fun times at his cottage on Three Mile Lake and his beloved Blue Jays, by his sister Marianne (George), his children Susan (Robert), Linda (Gary), Donald (Esmeralda) and Thom, by his adoring grandchildren Courtney (Morgan), Caitlin, Craig, Graham, Cameron, Samantha, Jennifer, wee Faith, nieces Marilyn Stewart, Margaret Evans and nephew Terry Stone. His work in public education was his second passion. He believed that public education is the breeding ground for cultural understanding and tolerance and the great leveler in a society that is increasingly economically polarized. He felt that his great friend Duncan Green said it best: "Let us not waste time in idle discourse. Let us do something while we have the chance! It is not every day that we are needed but at this place, at this moment of time, all mankind is us whether we like it or not. Let us make the most of it before it is too late". Bill believed that you seldom regret taking the road less travelled. Dr. Newnham would never point out how a person stumbled or what the doer of deeds could have done better. We might have come up short sometimes but he always knew there was no effort without error and shortcoming. He always knew great enthusiasm and great devotion. His place will never be with the cold and timid soul who neither knows victory or defeat. He will always be the chief, the warrior, the man in the arena. Au large to the horizon! Carry him now to his rest. Visitation will take place at Central United Church at 131 Main St., Unionville on September 3rd from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. A service of remembrance will be held at the church on Thursday, September 4th at 1 p.m. with reception for all to follow at Angus Glen Golf and Country Club, 10080 Kennedy Rd., Markham. Friends who wish to remember Bill are encouraged to support the Hill House Hospice, 36 Wright St., Richmond Hill, ON L4C 4A1.