Our husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Mike Newton, died with grace and peace on March 30, 2007, after a three-week battle with esophageal cancer. He was surrounded in love with his family and friends. 
 
     Mike was born in Chicago on Sept. 27, 1949, and grew up in the Windy City with his brother Tom and sister Cathie. He  attended Notre Dame High School in Niles, Ill., and graduated from Lakeland College in Sheboygan, Wis., in 1971. Mike was honored by Notre Dame High School and Lakeland College by being inducted into their halls of fame for both baseball and football. 

      He met his wife, Jo Ellen, the love of his life, in college and they were married on Sept. 4, 1971. The newlyweds moved to Portland in January 1973 where their first son Patrick was born. Sons Christopher and Brian soon followed. 

      Mike was a devoted, attentive father and husband who never missed an opportunity to attend games and support his sons, encourage and travel with his wife and family, or golf and fish with his friends. He adored his two beautiful daughters-in-law, Patrick’s wife, Donnie, and Brian’s wife, Natalie. He loved being "Papa" to his two precious grandchildren, Isabella and Alec. 

      He worked in the automobile leasing business and was the lease manager for either Wentworth Chevytown, or Wilsonville Chevrolet for the last 25 years. He was respected and loved by his peers and known for his infectious laugh. 

      Mike had a wonderful sense of humor, great wit, and the ability to see the best in every situation. He was a host in life, always making sure that others’ needs were met, and making each and every one comfortable in any situation. 

      He was a diehard Cubs fan, loved "da Bears," and his one regret was never hitting a hole-in-one. He had a great and loving spirit, strong and true faith, and was an inspiration to all who met him. 

      You will be in our hearts forever.