Arthur Newnham Obituary in Grande Prairie at Oliver's Funeral Home & Crematorium

Obituaries

Arthur Newnham

September 24, 1921 - July 05, 2019

Obituary For Arthur Newnham

Arthur Newnham, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away on Friday, July 5, 2019, at the QEII Hospital, at the age of 97 years.

Art was born in Shorwell, on the Isle of Wight, on September 24, 1921.

Art was a year old when his family immigrated to Canada, settling in Jarvie, AB, where they homesteaded. Growing up in Jarvie, Art was a natural athlete. He loved playing baseball. Playing for the Jarvie Giants, he was good enough that he was scouted to play pro ball.

When WWII broke out, Art enlisted with the Calgary Highlanders. As a Sergeant in the charge of artillery, Art served in France, Belgium, and Holland during the liberation of Europe. During the war, Art participated in track and field events, winning various medals. After the war he was invited to train for the 1948 Olympics.

In 1946, home from the war, Art married his childhood sweetheart, Claire Thornton, and they made their home in Jarvie. A highly resourceful and independent spirit, Art was always self-employed. At various times he worked as an Imperial Oil Agent, grain farmer, cattle buyer, and livestock hauler.

Art and Claire moved to Grande Prairie in 1968, where Art developed a partnership in “Double N Transport”, a livestock hauling business.

Art is dearly loved and greatly missed by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His daughters: Patti (Bryan) Walhovd and Karen (Charles) Longmate; sons: Jerry (Linda) Newnham and Tom (Sharyn) Newnham; grandchildren: Brent (Laurie) Newnham, Tyler (Darlene) Newnham, Jordan (Madeline) Longmate, Colby (Ann) Longmate, Carson (Katrina) Longmate, Alexis Walhovd (Mads Thygesen), Scott Walhovd, Jay (Jody) Lavergne, Jeff (Julie) Lavergne; great-grandchildren: Ava, Marissa, Maya, Luke, Charlie, Claire, Ari, Anthea, Lyndon, Alexi, Naomi, and Harris.

Family and friends meant everything to Art. With his positive outlook on life, this tough, hardworking man was friendly to all and a positive influence on many within the larger community, as well as his closer circle of family and friends. Art gave back to his community as a Shriner and Legion member. He loved to dance, and he loved to socialize, always interested in and curious about the lives of others around him. The world is a better place for having known Art.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2019, from 2:00-5:00pm at Jeffrey’s Café Mill District (10645-West Side Dr. Grande Prairie).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army, or to a charity of one’s choice.

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Condolences

June 24, 2021

Omlid Dorothea

Sympathy to the family of Art from the Frank Martin Family of Flatbush. Always enjoyed visiting with him when he came to the farm and later when he moved to Grande Prairie, brought back many memories from over sixty years ago!
June 24, 2021

Coleman Brian

When our parents Don and Muriel Coleman moved from the farm at Sexsmith to Grande Prairie, Art was a neighbor to them. Art always checked with them to see if they needed anything and would always make sure they opened the drapes in the morning. Very good neighbor and friend. We will all miss you Art, may you rest in peace. Our Condolences to all of the families. Brian and MJ Coleman
June 24, 2021

Chatters John & Rita

Our sincere condolences to the Newnham family on the passing of Art. Another Jarvie legend is gone but will not be forgotten. The Chatters Family
June 24, 2021

Timanson Colleen and Ken

We wish to extend our sincere condolences to the Newnham family. Art's sense of humour and great story telling was always enjoyed during his many visits with dad and our family. He was a dear and great friend of Dads. May your precious memories bring you much peace and comfort. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
June 24, 2021

Birnie Lyle & Gwen

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Art made many friends in the Jarvie, Westlock areas.and will be missed.
June 24, 2021

Masse Ken

Our thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time. Art lived a very full life and will be greatly missed by family and friends. We will forever have fond and warm memories of times spent with him.Had a nice visit with him and Karen this past march will really miss the annual Grande Prairie visits. Our condolences to Jerry ,Pat,Tommy and Karen and family. With deepest sympathy Ken and Betty Masse

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