Robert C. Newman
Robert C. Newman
August 14, 1921-August 19,2013
Robert C. Newman, 92, of Ojai, passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife, Isabel by his side on Monday evening, August 19, 2013, following a brief illness. Robert was born August 14, 1921 in Evanston, Illinois. The family moved to Ohio, Missouri, and Pennsylvania in his youth as his father was awarded dealerships in these States. Robert attended High School in Pennsylvania and after a year at Bucknell University he hitchhiked to California where he graduated from U.C. Berkeley.
He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942 in the Glider Corps. When that program was disbanded, he served in Africa, England, and France on the ground as an M.P. Robert was discharged in 1946 and graduated from U.C. Hastings College of Law in 1950. Robert had visited Santa Barbara during the war, returned there, began practice, and married Virginia May Murphy in 1951. They had three children: Robert, Robin and Jon, and lived on the Mesa and in Montecito. He served as City Attorney of the City of Santa Barbara for four years, and practiced for many years in partnership with James T. Lindsey, a good friend.
In 1971, Robert and Virginia divorced. In 1974, he married Isabel Barry Friend of Santa Barbara and they moved into downtown Santa Barbara. Retirement came in 1998 when he and Isabel moved to Ojai. His enjoyment included construction, shop work, walking, garden and orchard, visiting his much loved children, being a Democrat, theatre with Isabel, and not least, his wife’s cooking.
He is survived by his beloved spouse, Isabel F. Newman of Ojai; son, Robert N. Newman and grandson, Sam T. Newman, both of Lakeport, CA; daughter, Robin Elizabeth Newman of Santa Ynez, CA; son, Jon Charles Newman of Santa Barbara, CA; brother, John F. Newman of Camarillo, CA, and some wonderful nieces and nephews.
A “Celebration of Robert’s Life” will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2013, Noon, at Soule Park Clubhouse and Restaurant, 1033 East Ojai Avenue, Ojai, CA (805) 646-5633. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.