Gene Newman

April 16, 1950 ~ July 17, 2015
Gene Lee, 65 years young, decided he'd had enough, and joined other family at the great
Scotch Distillery in the sky. On July 17, 2015, the pearly gates opened to the golden pond
where he and his best pal (his dad) are no doubt catching unlimited walleye (much to mother's
chagrin, who will have to clean them).
The eldest of six kids, Gene took it upon himself to be the champion of the Newman Clan. Born
to Maynard and Gloria (Rude) Newman on April 16, 1950 in Minot, ND, he lived an idyllic
childhood where he steadfastly ruled over siblings Lynn (Ginger), Glen (Susan), Steven (Robin),
Gail (Walter), and Roger (Kim). From sandlot baseball to tobogganing; fishing and cavorting;
and just plain hell-raising, Gene and his posse of brothers and cousins reigned over the south
side of Minot with great intensity and vigor - to all their mom's dismay.
The (not really) Good, the (sometimes) Bad, the (not so) Ugly came along beginning in 1970
with golden boy David Lee, the apple of his pop's eyes until the starling darlings, Michelle Lynn
and Cathaline Jean (aka Pete and Re-Pete) stole his thunder in 1972. Unconditionally, Gene
adored his twin girls (even though he could never identify the two) and cherished his son - and
even with bone-headed mistakes and incredibly misguided mishaps, he lived and died for his
kids.
Gene conquered the roads of the United States as a Transportation Expert (good times as an
over the road truck driver) and was exceedingly proud of his perfect driving record. As a roadworthy
and adventuresome bunch, the motley Newman Crew enjoyed years of excursions with
their dad. Like Willy, Waylon and the boys, Gene and his kids loved their time together, and
whether they were riding the truck to destinations unknown, or fishing the great lakes of North
Dakota, Montana, or Minnesota, they stuck like glue - and cherished their time together as a
family.
With True Grit, Gene found his family expanded with the additions of Brenna, Raichael and
Reed (David & Becky); Jordan & Kodi (Michelle & Kevin); Derek, Rory, Chance, & Zach (Cathy
& Jaime). Great times were had with the Band of Brothers (and Sisters) that included his
children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Like his mom and dad before, he saw his family
as a true reflection of his life and was proud to say they were part of his Clan.
As he rides off into the sunset, his family bids him adieu with great love, admiration, and
sadness. We love you dad, grandpa, uncle, and brother. Happy Trails, Gene - till we meet
again.
Private Family Services were held Monday, July 20, 2015
Hello Cathy & Sons,
My sincere condolences for the loss of your rock. Hoping your treasured memories
bring you comfort day by day. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Angela
Thinking of all of you…
I am so sorry for your loss; I enjoyed working with Gene in transportation industry! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I am so saddened by this news. Thinking of you all and sending Love and Hugs to everyone. Am remembering great cousin memories 🙂
I’m sorry for your loss. I didn’t know your dad/grandpa/uncle/brother but the obituary you wrote honoring him was inspiring. I felt the need to write about it so others can experience the same feeling of hope, happiness, and love your family expressed during what I’m sure is a difficult time: https://www.everplans.com/blog/a-man-with-the-same-name-as-me-died-and-his-obituary-is-outstanding
Take care,
G.
I worked with Gene at J5 .He was easy to work with and always did a great job. He was a great dispatcher because he had been a driver also. So he knew what it took to get the job done.I am sure he will be missed greatly.
Gene worked with my husband and he was an amazing man! He always had a smile and love to talk about his family and always fishing! Great guy who will be miss! Love you Gene!
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Gene in Mandan. He was a good friend and co worker. I went fishing with him a few times and he was always so much fun to be around. I only wish I had stayed in touch with him after I left Mandan and I truly feel very sad that he is gone. I have thought of him many times over the years and have so many great memories of my times with Gene.