Air Vice Marshal Barry Hamilton Newton CB, CVO, OBE.
1st April 1932 - 25th August 2020.
It’s quite
often said that the secret of a good life is to die young as late as possible.
Air Marshal Barry Newton had a good life, he lived it well, and he took his
leave for the next as late as possible. I've known Barry only for the last
quarter century or so and there are many others, of course, so much better
qualified to write about him as a nationally distinguished figure, as a much
respected colleague and a lifelong friend, but, as his village priest, I am
honoured to be asked to say a few simple words about this faithful and
supportive parishioner and friend whose manifest gifts, whose love of life and
whose care for others, was an inspiration and mainstay to so many of us. His
passion for life, for doing all things well and his integrity shone through and
was always so apparent - perhaps especially whenever he was encouraging the
young to see how they could take their part, do something good and worthwhile, go
that extra mile for the benefit of the whole community and just make this funny
old world of ours a slightly better place.
He had a
profound respect for what is just and honourable and a deep sense of duty to
the common good. He knew the human condition well enough and empathised with
the rest of us who have feet of clay. He judged others generously. He cared for
people in a sensitive and unfussy way. And all this care and integrity shone
through. Others could see that it was part of the warp and weave of the man;
who he was. Surely that and diligence and sheer hard work helped to make him an
outstanding leader. He saw leadership in terms of service and of care and
selflessness. He shared his many credits with humility. And he helped others
shoulder responsibility with honour. He encouraged those around him to see
that, whilst failures are part of life, nevertheless, we should never allow
ourselves to be defined by our failures, but see how learning from setbacks can
strengthen us and make us better people.
He was a man
who loved his country - from the beauty of the Blackdown Hills, to the
character of the British people, to the service of the crown. He was a patriot.
He taught others that public service is good and noble and necessary; and that
one can and should serve with integrity and hold true to those values which are
eternal. He believed strongly that serving others enriches the giver’s soul and
that it is important to give back to the country and to the community which has
nurtured us. He also had a great sense of humour and was great fun. He could
tease to make a point, but never unkindly, and he loved to laugh.
It struck me
that Barry was always happiest when he had a mission; he loved to be occupied.
And yet he was never too busy to share his love of life with those around him.
In fact he loved having people of all sorts around him. Those horizons he saw
as a gifted young Royal Air Force pilot were bright and hopeful. And he
continually broadened those horizons. And that hopefulness remained with him.
He was, at heart, a genuinely hopeful and optimistic man. And that hopeful
spirit inspired others to believe that all sorts of things were possible for
them too. To the last his life was instructive.
It’s a cliché,
but it could not be truer that Barry and Lavinia were made for each other. They
had 57 years of good married life together and they were a great team. They
travelled much and adjusted to new surroundings quickly. It must have helped
that they were kind and neighbourly. They had lots of parties and loved to
entertain and they were always warm and welcoming.
Barry stayed
young at heart and aged well and as he aged he taught those around him to age
well too through finding confidence to serve the community and do their extra
bit for others. He grew old with dignity and with kindness. In quieter moments
Barry would share news of Melanie and Charles and Sally and James and Max and
one could see that his family meant more than all this world to him. And when
the good Lord finally called him he was ready; he was thankful for his
blessings and he look forward with hope in the promise of what lies ahead.
In a time
without Coronavirus Covid 19 St Mary's church, Stratfield Mortimer, would have
been packed full for his funeral with people from all walks of life coming to
give thanks for and honour a man who served his country and community with
distinction and was a true and loyal friend to so many. He nurtured so many
friendships. How many were blessed to receive those handwritten notes which,
whether wishing happiness, sympathizing or thanking, were always encouraging.
He had a great capacity to give of himself for others and many would be happy
and honoured to attest to his influence upon their lives and to his
mentorship.
Barry Hamilton
Newton was an officer, an Air Marshal, of formidable accomplishment, and a
gentleman who executed all the many duties of his life with care and
responsibility, with dignity and honour. But, first and foremost, because it
would please him, we give thanks for and commend to God a man who loved his
wife and a father who loved his children and grandchildren.
He leaves his
community, his country and this world better than he found it. We are going to
miss him very much, but we have been blessed to know and love him and we are
consoled to know that he is reunited with Lavinia and all those he has loved
and not seen a while.
Until, please
God, we meet again.
Paul Chaplin
The Reverend Paul
Chaplin MA, Vicar
