Frank Newberry

After a full life of 90 years, Frank Newberry of Drayton Valley, Alberta passed away on December 4th, 2023. He leaves behind son Brian Newberry (Amy) and daughter Kimberley
Berges (Douglas); Grandchildren: Shaun Newberry (Rhonda) Stevie Elliot, Dean Newberry, Ryan Hartman (Marsha) Shaila Platz (Lonnie) Sheena Yellowbird (Tye) Kirra Podgurny (Nick);
16 great-grandchildren: Ayden, Branden, Aliyah, Victoria, Emily, Autumn, Hailey, Emma, Jaben, Judah, Dallyn, Kashlynn, Hailey-Rae, Dallaynee, Case, and Ruairi; sister-in-law Betty Smith,
and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Frank was born in Weston, Ontario on January 25, 1933, to father Francis and mother Naomi Newberry who predeceased him. He grew up in a large family with one sister and two brothers (two other brothers died before Frank was born) Frank joined the Air Force and served his country proudly during the Korean War. Most of which was in England representing Canada as a NATO country. He was a young aero-engine technician. He then moved into heavy-duty
mechanics and he enjoyed the trade.

Frank married Joan Smith on August 2, 1954. They lived in Edmonton, Alberta before moving back to Kingston, Ontario. There they lived and raised six children; Donald, Brenda, Stephen, Paul, Brian, and Kimberley. Frank was a man of faith and his relationship with God is what carried him through many trials in their married life when they lost four of their six children. Frank had a passion for helping other veterans and was involved in the local legion as President and then part of the Executive. He set out to commemorate all aspects of service (land, air, and sea) by building a P51 Mustang plane (it took 1200 hours) that sits atop a pillar, along with sourcing out anchors from a naval destroyer and Troop carriers that all rest in place at the cenotaph in Drayton Valley, Alberta. He also created a Wall of Honour where local veterans are recognized with a plaque. He would go into the schools on Veterans Day and give speeches to help educate the children about military service. He enjoyed this aspect of his life a great deal. Frank taught himself to play piano, accordion, and the harmonica. He loved music and he could be found singing in the kitchen, music blaring when you walked into the house. He also sang in
the church choir. Frank loved sports and played for the Legion baseball team after his retirement. He also took music theory at the age of 69.

Frank was predeceased by his wife Joan Newberry, sister Gwendolyn Self, brothers Ronald Newberry, John Newberry, Raymond Newberry, and Leslie Newberry, son Donald Newberry, daughter Brenda Newberry, sons Stephen Newberry and Paul Newberry. Frank and Joan will be buried together at the Drayton Valley Cemetery after the memorial service, on Tuesday, December 12th at 1:00 pm at the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Drayton Valley. A light luncheon will be served in the church basement to follow. Viewing will be held December 11th at 7:00 pm at St Anthony’s Catholic Church, Drayton Valley.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cystic Fibrosis Edmonton. Brian and Kimberley would especially like to thank Dr. Frobb and the staff at Long Term Care, Drayton Valley for the care that Frank received.

Arrangements in the care of Harvey Giesbrecht and Mike McCrae.