William Raymond Newbry

William R. ( Bill ) Newbry
On march 9, 2017 I lost my childhood friend, boy friend, lover, fantastic husband for life and our son's devoted father. Forever together.
Bill was born in Twin Falls, Idaho on December 27, 1942, The youngest son of Thomas F. Newbry and Martha Eloise Harman Newbry.
In 1954 Bill was stricken with Bulbar Polio (paralyzed from the waist up), spending 3 months in an iron lung and made up all his school work. In 2002 Bill was life lighted to Salt Lake for cardiac surgery ( 5 bypasses). Surviving these illnesses made him a fighter and survivor.    
He attended schools in Twin Falls, graduating from Twin Falls High School in 1961. He attended Boise Junior College (now Boise State University) and Idaho State University. After college he joined the Idaho National Guard doing basic training in Fort Ord, California before being assigned to the Presidio in San Francisco. He completed his military career with the Idaho National Guard in Twin Falls. While a student at ISU he worked full time for Commercial Credit in Pocatello. After completing his education Bill, worked for Idaho Bank and Trust ( now Key bank), retiring with 25 years as an executive officer.
Bill married his lifelong companion and the love of his life, Thelma Anne Hopkins on August 21, 1966 at in a Scottish wedding at the First Presbyterian Church in Twin Falls, Idaho.
Bill was very active in community affairs, including with fund raising for the American Heart Association, the Bengal Foundation, served on the Pocatello Zoning and Adjustment Board, Jaycees as president and state officer, earned a world Able Toaster designation, treasurer for the Pocatello Competitive Soccer League and procured funding for the soccer fields at Indian Hills elementary school. Bill also set up the first recycling program in Pocatello for Boy Scouts of America. He belonged to the citizen Band Radio Club, president of the Aero Modeler, president of the Pocatello Lions Club and district officer of the Chubbuck Lions Club.
Falling in his father's and grandfathers footsteps, Bill has been a Mason for 50 years, a Shriner of El Korah Shrine- Boise, Idaho for 47 years. He also served as president of the Pocatello Shrine Club 3 times, treasurer and secretary. He was appointed to be the Southeastern Idaho Ambassador and liaison for this area in 2009, and Divan (state staff) in 2011. He also coordinated the Southeastern Shrine Circus for 10 years.
Bill was his happiest when he was helping neighbors, friends, community and his beloved Shriners Kids.
As a family he thoroughly enjoyed camping, fishing, golf, PGA Tournaments in Las Vegas, skiing, water skiing and traveling. Bill epically enjoyed his time with his son , Sean in Masons, Shrine activities, disk golf, hunting and deep sea fishing. In retirement Bill looked forward to his morning coffee at McDonalds with his buddies, the Tuesday Senior Bowling League. He and Thelma were active in NKA and the Pocatello Tasting Club.
Bill is survived by his wife Thelma, son Sean, sister-in-law Nina Newbry of Wendell, nephews Tim Newbry and Brad Newbry (Molly)of Twin Falls, Mark Newbry (Anne) of Jerome, Scott Newbry (Marguerite) of Gooding, , his brother-in-law Ken Balk and sister-in-law Saundra Hopkins and their daughter Taia of Sun River, Oregon. Bill is also survived by 2 aunts, many cousins, great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Thomas, F. Newbry, Jr., his in-laws Charles and Robina Hopkins and a great nephew Tiarik Newbry.
Our family would like to express our special thanks to Portneuf Hospital ICU staff and Respitory therapists for the their unwavering compassionate care, their love and advice.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bill's memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children- SLC Fairfax & Virginia Rd, Salt Lake City, Utah 84103.   
Funeral services will be held Monday, March 20, 2017 at 11 am in Cornelison Funeral Home, 431 N. 15th Ave., Pocatello. Family will receive friends Sunday, March 19, from 5-7 pm and one hour prior to the services Monday in the funeral home. Interment will be in the Sunset Memorial Park, Twin Falls, Tuesday at Noon. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.cornelisonfh.com
208-232-0542

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