Memorial to Gord Newman, The Hat Man

Eulogy

    

  

 

  

  

 

  

   

Toronto Star, Sunday, April 4, 2004

NEWMAN, Gordon E. _ Passed away on Friday, April 2, 2004, at St. Joseph's Health Centre, at age 65 years. Beloved husband of Lorraine for 42 years. Dear Dad of Paul, and Tyler and his wife Emanuella. Gordie will be missed by his sister Shirley and brothers Darrel and Wayne. Predeceased by brother Bob. Friends may call at Andrews Community Funeral Centre ''Bramalea Chapel'', 8190 Dixie Road (North of Steeles Ave.) 905-456-8190, on Tuesday, April 6, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in the Andrews Chapel. Interment Brampton Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Diabetes Association or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.


Gordon E. Newman

2 April 2004

It is with sincere and heartfelt sadness that I learned today of the loss of Gord. Please extend my deepest condolences to Lorraine, Paul, Tyler and Emanuella.

When I announced my retirement from big time fastball last September, I mentioned that success in my career was measured not in the wins and losses, but in the people who had touched my life along the way. Gord Newman was such a person.

Gord was born to talk and to fraternize with people. He was a salesman personified, and his loves were few but passionate. His family, his work and his love for people were really all he needed in life. Along his journey he became a fanatical fastball and baseball fan, and when he was not working the art of a deal for a jacket, a hat or a sweater, he was running for a coffee for not only himself but for anyone who would extend a conversation over that libation. What was ironic in his life was his career at Serca Foods had him dealing in the coffee business and that took him to among other locations, to the Toronto Blue Jays dressing room. He negotiated many a signed baseball, which he parlayed into some other piece of memorabilia, as a result of his gift for talking.

I met Gord through fastball in the mid 90's, and when I needed help with the Waterloo Twins he came on board as a scorekeeper. His love for talking had an immediate impact on his score keeping, and while he rarely knew who was batting when, he never missed an assignment and you always knew when he was in the park !

Gord's primary love in life was his family. He was so much in love with his wife Lorraine; she truly was his life partner. His sons Tyler and Paul allowed him to share his fastball love by driving them, or meeting them, at ball parks across Ontario where they competed. He lived a dream this past winter when he and Paul traveled to the ISF World Tournament in New Zealand; he'd purchased their airfare more than a year in advance. His heart found room for one more family member a few years ago when son Tyler found his life partner in Emanuella. Gord really did love having a daughter, and was so proud that his son, like him, had found his perfect mate.

Gord leaves behind him a lifetime of friendships earned through his love for family, for friends and for people in general. He was never afraid to step up to the plate when a volunteer position needed to be filled, when a cloudy day needed some sunshine, or when he could make a difference in the lives of someone else.

Everyone in the softball game has lost a true friend. Perhaps Gord's greatest legacy will be that he will be missed by so many.

Thanks for the good times old friend,

Sincerely,

Larry Lynch 

Mailto:larry.lynch@city.kitchener.on.ca
 



3 April 2004

We were sincerely saddened to learn of Gord's passing. His spirit, laughter and gifted storytelling filled ballparks across this province for years. The Perth Shootout and the sport of fastpitch softball were better because Gord Newman's involvement. Gord was a loyal fan and true gentleman and he will be sadly missed.

Our condolences go out to Lorraine, Paul, Tyler and Emanuella.

Neil, Connie and Melissa Fennell
Perth, Ontario 

Mailto:fennellmelissa@hotmail.com
  


3 April 2004

I am not the person that new Gord Newman the best. But I would like to share a short story. In 1999, the Danish National softball team toured parts of western Canada (Saskatoon, Regina and Edmonton). On our way, we had a long stop over in Toronto. I did not know Gordo at the time, but I was put in contact with him threw a common friend, Bill Hillhouse. Even though he did not know us, Gord met us at the airport and showed us the sights (Skydome, CN tower). He also invited me to his home, where I saw his impressive collection of ball caps and balls. Since then we have kept in touch by e-mail. I received an e-mail from him not less then 10 days ago, we had agreed to get together at the ISC in Fargo. His passing on is a very sad loss. Gordo was not just a good softball man; he was a good man, plain and simple.

Gilles Fournier
Danish national team coach 

Mailto:sb.herre.landshold@dbasof.dk

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