Brian Timothy Newton

Brian Timothy Newton September 7, 1975 - January 22, 2017 Brian Timothy Newton, 41, of St. Augustine September 7, 1975 - January 22, 2017 Our beloved Brian—adored only son, loyal brother to his fellas, never-a-dull-moment husband (yes, that was a gorilla mask he wore while skipping and holding hands and balloons for the engagement photos!), proud and fiercely protective father, grateful son-in-law, favorite nephew, cool cousin, crazy uncle to his friends’ kids, unflappable friend, humble artist, dynamic teacher, dedicated coach, witty workshop presenter, avid Redskins fan, solo backpacker, world traveler, karaoke lover, “framily” member, and caring, kind soul—has passed into a place of perfect light, love, and peace. Brian forever brightened the lives of all those he touched through his lifelong gifts of teaching, inescapable personal magnetism, a compassionate heart figuratively two sizes too big, and his sense of humor that knew no boundaries. Brian was a graduate of Orange Park High School, and then of Flagler College with a degree in Deaf Education. As a teacher, Brian had enjoyed creating specially-designed, unique inside jokes to connect with each student and each colleague, as well as had thrived on transforming his whiteboards daily with his amazing dry erase marker drawings/perspectives of the Earth, universe, hurricanes, volcanoes, and other science concepts. Brian fell in love with one of these amazing colleagues, Karen, who not only became the love of his life, but also his best friend, secretary, champion, advocate, and recipient of the lion’s share of his jokes. Although he served as a role model and father figure to hundreds of children and young adults throughout his career, Brian’s greatest joy and life’s work was becoming a father to Harper—his favorite stinker! Brian was happiest when surrounded by friends, family, and “framily” where he was the center of attention and primary distributor of hysterically funny insults gift wrapped with love; to be teased by Brian was to be loved by him, and we all were always eager and begging for more. He always was literally larger than life—6'5" with size 15 shoes, which were bigger than his beloved little dachshunds. Brian lived, loved, and breathed good music, enjoyed countless concerts with friends, and his karaoke interpretations of Neil Diamond and Elvis were legendary. The ultimate Redskins football fan and statistician, Brian watched every game with his friends and family, and was thrilled to go experience a few games over the years. An avid backpacker, Brian loved the solo experience and national parks, such as Yosemite and Zion, which inspired his awe of nature (and bears!). As a world traveler, he loved experiencing the raw solitude of Iceland and visiting family in England. Brian created a village—the Lightning Squad / Brian’s Bolts—of love and support through friends and family, and he will be trending in our hearts forever. In the inspirational words of Eddie Vedder, Brian declared, “I’ll ride the wave where it takes me.” What a wave, what a ride, and what gratitude we have just for being a part of it. Brian’s wave has had an expansive ripple effect: it created other waves that will continue to carry his love, spirit, and humor, leaving their indelible mark and all of us who crossed his path forever changed. Brian’s loving family includes his parents, the late James Newton and Sally Kuder, married to Roger Kuder; wife, Karen Newton; daughter, Harper Newton; parents-in-law, Ted and Betsy Polakiewicz; brother-in-law, Stephen Polakiewicz and Meaghan Reed; and beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 28, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. at the Deermeadows Baptist Church. A dessert reception will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Harper Newton College Fund at any VyStar Credit Union branch: please reference Harper Newton’s account ending in 7181.