John Newton

John D. “Fig” Newton passed away on November 27, 2013 of complications from a sudden short illness. Dad was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on April 9, 1928 to Joseph Abraham and Jessie Anderson Newton. He was raised in Salt Lake and graduated from South High School. He then attended the University of Utah, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1950 and a MD Degree in 1952. He belonged to IIKA fraternity, where he made many lifelong friends. He met Valerie McMillan in 1950 and they were married on December 19, 1951 in Idaho Falls, Idaho. They were married for 61 years, until Mom’s death in May of 2013. In 1953 to 1954 Dad served in the Army for 17 months in Korea. In 1958, Dad and Mom moved to Ogden, where Dad was to become the Superintendent and Medical Director of the State TB Hospital, until 1962. In 1962, Dad opened his private practice. He was on the staff of both McKay-Dee and St. Benedict Hospitals for many years. He was a member of the Society of Internal Medicine, Intermountain Thoracic Society, American Medical Association, Utah State Medical Association, Weber County Medical Society, and American College of Occupational Medicine. Dad joined Kiwanis Club of Ogden in 1959 and continued to be active until his passing. He served in many positions, being President numerous times. After closing his private practice in 1987, he went on to become the Director of Medical Services on the US Army Health Clinic at Defense Depot of Ogden, until the closing of DDO. Dad loved to golf, play bridge, attend plays and musicals, and all kinds of “artsy stuff” with Mom. He worked with Utah Musical Theater and Ogden Symphony for many years. Dad and Mom developed a deep love of the South West Indians, while doing his TB work in San Juan County over a period of ten years. They loved the Capital Reef and Four Corners areas. Over the years they traveled to many different countries, but Southern Utah was their favorite. Dad was a very devoted husband and father. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Dad is survived by his two children: son, Paul (Sherry) Newton; daughter, Nancy (Allen) Hill; six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife and his parents. The family wants to thank the staff of Ogden Regional medical Center’s ICU Unit for the great care the he received. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Cure Cancer for Children’s Cancer (CureCancer.org) or Ogden Symphony / Ballet Association. A Celebration of Dad’s life will be held on Friday, December 20, 2013 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Mt. Ogden Grill, 440 East 4400 South. Buffet will be served. All of his family and friends are invited to honor and remember him. Cremation entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary.

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