Michael "Mick" Newman

Michael "Mick" Newman passed away on December 11, 2024 from complications resulting from open heart surgery. He was born on October 3, 1952 in Portsmouth Virginia to Jack and Leona "Lee" Newman, the second of ten children. He grew up in a happy, close-knit Navy family and had many wonderful memories of those years.

Mick's family moved to Oak Harbor from California in 1966 when his father was transferred to NAS Whidbey Island. He graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 1971 and attended Everett Community College. After joining the Air Force the following year, he married Diane "Di" Terrell, and they had two children, Michael "Mick" Jr. and Maca. He served four years in the military and was a proud Vietnam Veteran.

After his service he returned to Washington and was employed by Sudden Valley in Bellingham. In 1980 he was hired by the Boeing Company; he loved his job and took great pride in being a mechanic, and later an inspector on the 777. He made many lifelong friends during his career with Boeing.

In 1982 he met Sandra Carlin and they married in 1984. Three years later they welcomed daughter Asia. Those were busy years with work, Asia's sports and school activities, and of course Mick's second career, Bass Fishing. He eagerly awaited the summer months when Mick Jr. and Maca would visit from Texas. Many of his favorite occasions were those spent in Oak Harbor with his extended family, at the home his parents built in 1970. They celebrated holidays, birthdays, and enjoyed impromptu get-togethers.

Mick retired from Boeing in 2015 after 35 years of service. He loved having unlimited free time to pursue his hobbies and spend time with family and friends. On October 1st of 2022, he received a kidney transplant, just two weeks after he and Sandra moved to a multi-generational home with Asia, Lawrence, and two granddaughters. He had endured two difficult years of dialysis, and the kidney gave him a new life. Most recently, he enjoyed the many hours he spent around the kitchen table in Oak Harbor with his beloved 97-year-old mother and sisters. They loved talking, telling stories, playing games, and laughing. Mick was kind, generous, and extremely funny, with a BIG personality. He will be greatly missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.

Mick is survived by his mother Leona "Lee" Newman, his life partner Sandra, children; Mick Newman Jr. (Bridget), Maca Ferguson (Holton), Asia Martin (Lawrence); grandchildren Ainsley and Ellery Ferguson, Kora Newman, and Rowan and Vienna Martin. He is also survived by his sisters Gwen Mead (Bill), Kathy Kososki (Tom), Monica Newman, and Mary Burdick, and very closest friend of 56 years Bill Flanders. He was predeceased by his father Jack Newman Jr., and brothers Jack "Skippy" Newman III, Mark, Gregory, Stephen, and Patrick.