Russell Alexander Newton

Russell Newton – Obituary

Born in Neepawa, October 2, 1927 - Age 98

As a child, Russ grew up in the Arden and Eden areas and eventually moved with his family to Kelwood when he was 13 years of age.  His life began on the farm and remained there until his retirement.  Russ took great pride as a youngster that he helped move his family with a team of horses from Eden to Kelwood.  At Kelwood his father Arthur soon passed away, and Rob, Alf, and Russ were left to run the farm with their mother Ella.  Rob eventually took on his own farm west of Kelwood and then Neepawa, Alf bought land north of Kelwood, and Russ remained on the homestead.  In 1956 Russ married Eileen Schultz and together they had three children Kevin (Laurie), Greg (Maribeth), and Terri-Lynn (Darcy Archambault).  Laurie and Kevin have three children Paige, Mackenzie, and Sydney (Griffin).  Paige (Dylan Thornborough) has two daughters Mara and Goldie, and Mackenzie (Cory Martin) has one daughter Scottie.  Terri-Lynn and Darcy have two boys, Eric (Alex) and Matthew (Alana). 

Russell worked hard as a mixed farmer.  Through the years he farmed just over 1000 acres of grain land, had a hog operation involving farrow to finish, and at times had a small herd of beef cattle.  There were always “chores” for the kids to do, learning (under the tutelage of their mother and father) the importance of work ethic and commitment.

Russ was very involved with the goings on in the Kelwood community.  He helped coach baseball and hockey through the years, was on the Garage Committee, Store Committee, Hall Committee, Skating Rink board, Curling Rink board, Kelwood Legion, and Kelwood Lions Club.  He was a school trustee for many years in the Turtle River School Division, sat on the Manitoba Government Reference Board and the Manitoba Government Mineral Resources Board.  In all, the community and people of Kelwood are (and will always remain) near and dear to his heart. 

During the summer season, and only when those few work/chore breaks were allowed, the Newton family spent the odd Sunday at Clear Lake.  Eventually after purchasing a cabin and leasing a lot in the Old Campground, friendships were fostered with Manitoba and Saskatchewan folk, becoming life-long (60+ years) relationships.

During the last years on the farm and into retirement, Russ and Eileen not only travelled throughout the world every year, but they also became annual snowbirds settling into the winter season in Southern Texas.  There they met many people from various North American locations.  Those relationships became year-round.  The times in the south gave Russ and Eileen an opportunity to enjoy excellent health and friendships through their senior years.

Eventually, and in 1995, Russ and Eileen left the farm in full retirement and bought a house in Neepawa.    In 2016 they both moved into the Elks Manor, enjoying the comradery of many wonderful friends, and in 2024 after suffering a stroke, Russ relocated to the Neepawa Hospital and Country Meadows Personal Care Home.  Russ passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. 

Russ was predeceased by sisters Ivadel (Clayton McGorman), Betty (Ray Beckstead and Stan Shippam), Grace (Dave Smith) and brothers Rob (Mary) and Alf (Daisy). He was also predeceased by his parents Arthur and Ella.

Russ’ family would like to thank the staff at the Country Meadows Personal Care Home and Neepawa Hospital for the nothing less than exceptional care he recently received. 

Please note, in lieu of flowers, donations to the “Beautiful Plains Community Foundation” would be appreciated.

Address: Box 486

                    Neepawa, MB  R0J 1H0

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