Dwight Addison Newell, 92, of Pasadena, Calif., passed away at the Villa Gardens on Tuesday, May 6, 2008.
The only child of Mabel and Chester Newell, Dwight was born in Piedmont, Calif., on July 9, 1915.
He proudly served his country during World War II as a naval officer in the Pacific Fleet. Following the war, Dwight moved to Los Angeles, where he had a lifelong successful practice as an attorney with the law firm Burke, Williams and Sorenson.
In 1961, Dwight married for the first and only time to Louisa Jane Church Flynn. She already had two daughters—Gina and Jane Judge—by a previous marriage. It was a very happy but sadly brief marriage, as Dwight was widowed in 1966. He continued to live in Pasadena, where he had moved for the marriage, and cared for his youngest stepdaughter, Gina. Dwight eventually moved into the Villa Gardens, where he resided until his death.
While living in Pasadena, Dwight enjoyed traveling all over the world and spending time with his many friends. He loved great art, music and theater, and was an avid reader and bridge player. He also loved to cook and garden. He was extremely generous, donating time and funds to numerous charities and organizations. He was always happy to help a friend and was a true gentleman. He was very loving and supportive stepfather and grandfather. He lived a very full life and will be acutely missed.
Dwight is survived by his stepdaughter, Gina (Alex) Macdonald of Ketchum, Idaho, and his stepdaughter, Jane Judge of Santa Barbara, Calif. The surviving step-grandchildren are Felan (Kimberly) Macdonald of Hailey, Idaho; Luke (Jamie) Macdonald of Bellevue, Idaho; Alex (Jessica) Macdonald of Bellevue; Robert Parkins of Santa Barbara, Calif.; Jareth McBrehon of Petaluma, Calif.; Nathan (Khasy) Modisette of Santa Barbara, Calif.; and nine great-grandchildren.
A memorial service is planned for June 14, at the Santa Barbara Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Dwight's favorite charities: The City of Hope (Duarte, Calif.) and/or Guide Dogs for the Blind (San Rafael, Calif.).
