Walter Brewster Newell

Walter Brewster Newell, born Feb. 27, 1913 in Anacortes, passed away Dec. 1, 2005 at his home in Mutiny Sands surrounded by loving family members. He was 92 years old.

Walter is survived by his two daughters, Donna Austin (Mrs. Ned) of Bend, Ore. and Shirlee Cooper (Mrs. Royce) of Sequim; seven grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

He grew up in Seattle and graduated from Queen Anne High School. He married Rita Dowie, his high school sweetheart, who preceded him in death in 1968. They raised their family in Seattle where Walter owned and operated a milk delivery business.

He later married Margaret Schlosser and they moved to Freeland. She passed away in 1989.

He spent 32 of his retirement years living on Whidbey Island where he had numerous friends. He was a charter member of the Island Athletic club and was their first life member. He continued to use the facility until shortly before his death. He became an avid bridge player in his later years, claiming he learned the game to keep his mind sharp.

His service to the Mutiny Sands community over the years included active membership on its board. Neighbors considered Walter their local historian.

During World War II he served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Maritime Service on various vessels in the South Pacific and Alaska. From 1933 to 1935 he served in the U.S. Coast Guard in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

A “Celebration of Walter’s Life” is planned for friends and family at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7 at Freeland Hall.