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Missing a Mentor: A Blog about Bob
Following is the official death notice and funeral arrangements from the Hamburg Volunteer Fire Department: Download Funeral Announcement-Newell.pdf
My close friend and associate Bob Newell passed away suddenly on Tuesday-January 22nd at his home.
Bob was a great educator, trainer, mentor and friend to literally thousands of firefighters in a firefighting and instructional career that spanned almost 40 years.
He started one of the first vehicle extrication training programs in Erie County several years ago, long before it was popular. It has since been modeled across the state. He did more for his Village of Hamburg Fire Department and our fire service than they or we will possibly ever realize.
To say Bob had a certain way about him is like saying water is "helpful" in putting out fires. You never had to wonder how Bob felt about a person or a subject. His honesty was at times cutting, equal only to his caring for others. You always knew where Bob stood on a matter. And, for that, I loved him.
Bob Newell loved to teach and students loved to be taught by him, young and old, experienced and green. I don't know of many fire service leaders in our area who never took a class from Bob Newell sometime in their career. His reach crossed county and state lines extensively.
He exuded pride in training his replacements and took great satisfaction in teaching new recruits. He didn't just teach them how to be firefighters, he taught them how to be great firefighters.
In addition to all of the requisite skills, he taught them discipline and teamwork. He taught them to respect their officers, their peers and themselves. He taught them that leadership begins with being good followers.
He put them back in line when they stepped out, and he was never shy about offering a verbal kick in the pants where appropriate. He was also adept at applying a gentle nudge just at the right time to boost their confidence when they were doubting their capabilities. He never allowed anyone to fail themselves.
He taught them about life in general, life as a firefighter and the importance of loving the job and all that it has to offer, good and bad.
At age 63 and just a few years into his retirement from the Federal Government, Bob was not one to slow down or cut back. He was always the one pushing us, always exploring new innovations and embracing new technologies and techniques. He was both old school and cutting edge at the same time.
His dedication to his family and the fire service were unmatched and his legacy will live on for years to come. Bob Newell was a good firefighter, a great instructor, a class act and a generous friend.
I talked to him just a few hours before his death. We exchanged the usual mutual harassment and made lunch plans. He ended the conversation by saying, "OK Wise Guy, I'll see you on Friday."
I said, "You're buying and I'm eating," which was how all of our lunches went. Bob never let anyone buy lunch, or dinner, or breakfast for that matter.
His brief contact left me with a smile. Later that evening, I experienced the privilege of being with his family and fire service family as we started the mourning and remembrance process, the way Bob would expect us to: together.
I was blessed with his confidence and his friendship. I will always be proud of my association with Bob Newell and I will miss him dearly.
There's so much more I can say about this man but it's been a long night and we have a long week to look forward to in planning his honors.
May God give him heaven. Rest in peace my brother. I'll miss you "Newelldorf."
If you knew Newell like I knew Newell... or even if you didn't, leave a note at: http://www.firefighternation.com/profile/Rescue1530
Add a Comment
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Comment by SLIM on January 26, 2008 at 12:16pm
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"On Eagles Wings"
The Great spirit has spoken, it's my time to leave,
Through the clouds we soar for which I must weave...
Help each other out and try to understand,
Why the Creator has come and taken my hand...
The tears of sadness I cried are gone,
They are the dew of the early dawn...
We will be together again someday,
It's time to follow the lights of beautiful rays...
I can hear the chanting of the spirits sing,
As I'm carried home on an eagles wings...
I FEEL SAD...HE PASSED ON MY BIRTHDAY!
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For my Brother has fallen, God into your hands. My Brother has fallen; no, I don't know his name. Have not the same parents still family all the same. He lives in this town, I live in another, It doesn't really matter 'cause this man is my Brother. My Brother I call him, yet I've never seen his face. I have brothers and sisters all over the place! You see I am a Firefighter and our families are one. Around the world, a brotherhood of unity, A closeness, a bond, bond, most people don't see. I'll watch his back; She'll watch mine, "You go, I go," time after time. His family's my family, Her family theirs, We're part of one family where everyone cares, I'll look after your kids, please look in on my wife, Should that day finally come when I laid down my life. We dedicate our lives helping our fellow man, Living day after day doing all that we can, Where ever we're needed whether nighttime or day, To save the life of another we'll step in harms way. My Brother has fallen doing what he loved best, And among the Honored, he now stands with the rest For a mile in dress uniform here everyone stands, For my Brother has fallen, God into your hands
YOU WILL BE MISSED!
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Comment by Mark Bernas on January 26, 2008 at 8:28am
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Bob was my intermediate fire instructor a few years back (not many -- I haven't had the pleasure of knowing Bob prior to 2000) and our paths have crossed on occasion since then. I always enjoyed our chance meetings and conversations, and always felt that I was in the presence of someone whose worth in our chosen avocation exceeded what was immediately apparent.
Too many of our brothers pass too young! I know that Bob will be sorely missed by his fellows in the corps of fire instructors, the Hamburg Fire Department, those many firefighters who've benefited from his influence, and especially his family.
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Comment by Brad Carlson on January 25, 2008 at 2:49pm
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May he rest in peace.My condolances to the Hamburg fire dept,and to his family.
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Comment by A.J. on January 25, 2008 at 1:13am
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May God Bless you and the entire Bob Newell family not only his biological family but as well as his brother firefighters. even though he may have only been 63 at his passing it is somthing my grandfather told me (he recently passed away which was the way he lived his life) it doesnt matter how much time the good lord gives you on this earth it is what you allow him to let you do on this earth while your here. and by the way it sounds Bob did exactly that by teaching new firefighters how to be "great firefighters" GOD BLESS the entire Erie County fire.
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Comment by Jon on January 24, 2008 at 11:24pm
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My brother, from the time that i joined our dept. 5 years ago you were my mentor. I looked up to you like so many others have done before. I sit here at my computer listening to bag pipes that you loved. There are is so much more i would have liked to ask you and tell you. I will always have a part of you in my heart and mind. Without you I wouldnt be half the firefighter i am now.
May you rest in peace, look down on all your brothers around the wourld and grant us peace. God bless you brother Newell, you will never be forgotten. Delete Comment
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Comment by Mary Ellen Shea on January 24, 2008 at 10:41pm
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This revised version brought tears to my eyes. Your perspective of him is as unique as he was. You've illustrated his character even for those who didn't know him or had never met him. It's a fine line drawn to celebrate a life well-lived while grieving the loss of someone who has left an indelible imprint on your life.
"That best portion of a good man's life,
His little, nameless, unremembered acts
Of kindness and of love."
Wordsworth
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Comment by Joe Stoltz on January 24, 2008 at 9:55pm
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Tiger, this is a wonderful eulogy. I think we all have a "Bob" in our respective areas, and losing such a person leaves a hole that can never be filled.
Thanks for sharing this with us. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, and also with you and all of Bob's disciples.
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Joyce had a good point. You may want to print this off (inlcuding the photos) and present to the family at some point. I think they would want to read this, it speaks of the essence of the man, his character, drive, enthusiasm and dedication.
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Comment by Jeff Betz on January 24, 2008 at 6:33pm
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My condolences to the entire Newell family, as well as those of you who knew Bob personally. Following is a short quote for those of you who now honor this great man:
"The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men the conviction and the will to carry on. . . .- Walter Lippmann"
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