Alexander Durham Newton

His travel guide to Central Africa was my favorite out of a hundred or so that I own. I used it to go to Zaire and had the most intense experience ever going down the Congo River on the Government Riverboat in 1991. I still have three of his books. He is the one Lonely Planet Author I wanted to talk to.

Dear Betsy and younger Newtons, This is such terribly sad news and I send you my condolences and hugs. I've just returned from Haiti and found the sad message from Ann Lancaster. It is inconceivable that his adventurous, kind, compassionate time is gone. Alex was ( and is) a bright star in the firmament! May his name be for a blessing. Love, Sarah

I have got to know Alex during his short stay in Burkina as acting Country Representative for USAID, back in 2019. Never met a kind and soft-spoken gentkeman like him before, trust me. Despite being a a retired Senior Foreign Service Officer, I was litterally astonished by his display of stamina and enthusiasm. He would not say a word that hearts anyone. First to show up in the office, he is always the last person to leave, but even working sometimes during odd hours. At such extent that I...

Alex has made such a difference in our lives here in Burkina Faso. I feel so blessed to have known such a warm heart and incredibly kind and generous man. May his soul rest in peace, Amin!

I am Modibo Traoré from USAID Mali! I had the opportunity to work under Alex while he was our mission Director and also in Burkina Faso where I went for a TDY. Alex was a very good Director and Advisor!!! Sincere condolences to his family from myself and colleagues! We missed him! May he rest in peace!

Alex was my Boss at USAID Burkina Faso! My colleagues and I enjoyed working with him and for him! I personally learnt a lot under his leadership! Alex was great with people and diversity! He was a great mentor to me and my colleagues. I learnt patience, positivity and kindness with Alex! He never got mad and always had a smile and a positive attitude! I will never forget what Alex has done for me. He gave me opportunities that took me very far in my career! I kept in touch with him and it was...

To the Newton family While I only had the opportunity to meet Alex once, I will remember him as a very sweet and kind man. May all your treasured memories bring you joy as he rests in peace. Judy Goll

Visited his house in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. He was the only person I ever knew who had a household pet a pig. He also showed up in Conakry, Guinea at my house in the 1980s. He mentioned the hotel he was staying in, but I had never heard of it. Later I learned he was staying there because he was a contributor to the Lonely Planet travel guide. The last time I saw him was in early 2019 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (see attached pic of us.) Definitely, he was one of a kind. His passing makes me...