Arthur Lee Newlin

YAKIMA, Wash. - Art passed away peacefully in his sleep on Dec. 16, 2009, at Yakima Regional Medical and Cardiac Center in Yakima.

He was born in Forsyth, Mont., to George and Ethel (Wood) Newlin on Oct. 24, 1928. The family moved from Ashland, Mont., to Billings in 1941, where he attended school. He graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1947. He joined the Navy in 1950 and always called himself a "dry land sailor," as he was never aboard ship. His job in the Navy was as a weatherman. He was honorably discharged in 1954. He returned to Billings, where he joined the Billings Fire Department in 1955. He loved his life as a fireman and was very proud of the work he did. He became the father of his son Eddy in 1954 and Fergie was born in 1955. He met and married Marilyn Wood in 1974.

After his retirement from the fire department in 1978, he moved to Zillah, where he had previously bought an orchard. During the time in Zillah, he also purchased the "Country Punkin' Tavern," where he met many new friends. Following the sale of the tavern, he purchased a "you bake" pizza business. We always thought he was the one who came up with the idea of bagged salad, as he would make up fresh salad, bag it and sell it with the pizzas. He also worked at Montgomery Ward's in the paint department. Following these adventures, he bought and sold mobile homes with the help of his very good friend Ray Coupal. He did this until he was forced to stop due to health concerns. Art liked to keep busy, so he always worked sometimes two and three jobs. He was an excellent provider, wonderful husband and wonderful second father to Donaleen. He was always a lot of help to Marilyn, doing errands, helping around the house and being Mr. Fix-It. He was always there for family and friends who needed him. He really enjoyed his four grandchildren and was very proud of them all.

Art was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ethel Newlin; sister Thelma Broadhurst and brother Allen Newlin; son Fergie Newlin; and his very special aunt Sally Brands.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Marilyn; son Eddy; his very special wife, Cheryl; and grandchildren Max and Kelsie Newlin, all of Billings; daughter, Donaleen and her super husband Todd Record of Yakima, and grandsons Zachary Jackson-Wood of Jacksonville, Fla., and Cody Hulme of Yakima; his wonderful aunt, Dortha Walter, who celebrated her 100th birthday this year; as well as sisters Gladys Baugh of Billings and her sons Ron, his wife Jeanetta and their children Kristi and Brent, son Rick and son Randy, his wife Sandi and their children Ryan and Shalon. Also surviving is sister, Georgie (Duane) Windahl of Onamia, Minn., and their children Linda, Shauna, and Earl, all of Minnesota; sister Doris (Dean) Peterson and their children, Lori, Julie, Eric and Ivan, all of Montan; and sister Carol Angvall, her son Michael Stewart and her daughter Carolyn LeFever, both of Washington state. Also surviving is his aunt Mary Belviso of California; many great-nieces and nephews; as well as several very special friends, including Sammy Searle, Pamela Lane, Ray Coupal, Harvey and Doris Madison, and many special cousins.

Art's family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Gabriel Lascar and Dr. Victor Sharpe. Art had a lot of faith in both. We would also like to thank Dr. Nora Kirschner, who would bring a sparkle to his eyes and put a big smile on his face. Dr. Soren Singel was also very special to Art. He put a smile on Art's face as they bantered back and forth; and also Dr. David Krueger for his comforting and caring help. He had many excellent caregivers at Regional over the last two and a half years and the family wishes to thank all of them for their support and encouragement. During his last stay, Mark, Carling and Shirley made him very comfortable and we appreciate all you did for him. We would also like to extend thanks to Cascade Summit Physical Therapy; Heather, Holli, Ange, Chuck and Obdulia for all their help and support. Finally, a special thank you to Total Care, especially Donelle, Tea and Robin.

At Art's request, there will be no formal services.

In lieu of flowers he would have appreciated that donations be made to East Valley Fire Department in care of Keith and Keith Funeral Home, 902 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902, or the Rich DuVal Benevolent Fund, Fire Fighters Local #521 at 530 S. 27th St., Billings, MT 59101.

The family is planning a memorial gathering in the spring or early summer for all family and friends. This will be announced at a later date.

To share a memory of Art please visit, www.mem.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Keith & Keith Funeral Home (902 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902).