Lloyd Allyn "Al" Newkirk

Obituary

 

Last updated 5/14/2014 at 11:35am



Al Newkirk of Electric City, WA peacefully passed into the arms of his Savior the morning of Tuesday, May 6, 2014, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, Washington with family by his side. Al joined Verna "Marie" Newkirk his beloved spouse who predeceased him in 2011 following 66 years of marriage.

Born into the Bridgeport, Nebraska home of Allen Martin and Betsy "Bessie" Brines- Newkirk on September 30, 1923, Al joined the US Navy following graduation from high school, serving during World War II until being honorably discharged in 1943.

On May 3, 1944 Al married Verna "Marie" Peart in Wenatchee, Wash., and together they moved about Washington with Al's employment with the USBR, living in Ephrata, Othello, Warden, Wenatchee and Spokane before "temporarily" settling in the Grand Coulee area 45 years ago.

Al was a mentor to countless Boy Scouts & Cub Scouts, Veteran of World War II, and active member of his community. A life member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6268 in Wilbur and Post 3157 in Grand Coulee of which he was once post commander, Al was also active in the Grand Coulee Senior Center, Grand Coulee Writer's Group and Faith Community Church of Electric City, Wash. Al's greatest joy was working hand in hand with Marie helping hundreds of Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts become men. In an unprecedented recognition of their 47 years of service to Scouting from 1953 to 2000, both Al & Marie were presented the Silver Beaver Award for implementing the Boy Scouting program, performing community service through hard work, self-sacrifice and dedication. They founded Cub Scout Pack 72 in Warden, Washington, provided counseling, and engaged in camping and fundraising with the boys of Grand Coulee's Boy Scout Troop 31 and other area Scouting Units.

Al also enjoyed salmon fishing with his family out of Westport, Washington and making trophies and plaques for special events. Throughout his life, Al was well known for his generous giving manner to anyone who was in need.

Predeceased by his beloved wife Marie and brother Richard Dale Newkirk, Al is survived by two sons: Dr. Wally Newkirk (Candace) of Quincy, Michigan and Ken Newkirk (Christina) of Spokane, Washington; grandchildren: Rory, Amy, Katie, Joshua, Amber and Ryan and 15 great-grandchildren.

At Al's request cremation has taken place, with a memorial celebration of his life to be announced at a future date.

In keeping with Al's love of giving, his family requests that gifts be given in his memory to the charity of your choice.

Please sign Al's online register book at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com. Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, is honored to be serving Al's family.

 

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