Oliver William “Bill” Newell Jr.,

 

Oliver William “Bill” Newell Jr.,

69, Grand Marais, died Thursday October 11, 2012 in Lubbock, Texas from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Bill was born January 11, 1943 in Longview, Texas. His family moved to Silver, Texas in 1949. Bill grew up adventuring around Silver and the surrounding area. He attended school in Silver and in Colorado City, Texas. He loved participating in sports, especially football.

After graduating high school, he attended El Dorado, Kansas Junior College on a football scholarship and then attended an aircraft mechanical school in California. He later served in the Army and was stationed in Alaska, where he received awards for excellence in biathlon competitions. After his time in the military, he moved to Mississippi and began working off the Louisiana coast on offshore oilrigs.

He married and had two daughters and in 1972 moved to Fredericksburg, Texas. Bill worked in offshore drilling until his retirement in 2004. A seasoned veteran, his work took him to Peru, Libya, Cameroon and different areas of the United States. He oversaw many aspects of the petroleum industry including drilling, production, maintenance, and safety training. Upon his retirement, he spent his time between Texas and Minnesota.

Bill had the soul of an explorer and enjoyed flying planes, riding motorcycles, skiing, traveling, golfing, boating, hunting, dancing and building. Forever young at heart, he was a wonderful companion in any adventure. His greatest loves were spending time with his family and friends and watching his grandchildren grow. He had an infectious smile and heartwarming laugh, made friends wherever he went, and his generous nature endeared him to people around the globe. It was Bill’s choice to become a tissue donor, continuing his legacy of generosity. As many as 100 people could have their lives enhanced through Bill’s gift.

He is survived by his daughter Hartley Newell-Acero, son-in-law Ramiro Acero, granddaughter Matea Acero, and grandson Doran Acero of Grand Marais; daughter Mary Devlin DuVall and son-in-law Mike DuVall of Austin, Texas; sister Beth Prather of Robert Lee, Texas; sister Susan Mouser and brother-in-law Pat Mouser of Abilene, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Oliver William Newell and Dorothy Irene Devlin Newell of Robert Lee, Texas and the mother of his children, Gayle Hart Hamby of Fredericksburg, Texas.

A memorial service for Bill will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 10. Weather permitting, the service will be held on the beach at mile marker 114 on East Hwy 61. After the service, a potluck luncheon and celebration of Bill’s life will be held at his daughter’s house at 60 Harbor View Trail, Grand Marais. There will be food, laughter, tears and stories about Bill – and some of them might even be true. In case of inclement weather, the memorial service will also be held at 11:00 a.m. at his daughter’s house. Please RSVP to Hartley Newell-Acero at 387-2175.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family encourages all who are interested to register as organ and tissue donors in honor of Bill (lifegift.org). Memorial donations can be made to Africare (Africare.com), or to the Colvill Volunteer Fire Department at 3153 E. Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 5604.