Kermitt Hope Newman

Kermitt Hope Newman was born  October 11, 1935, in Chudleigh, Jamaica to his parents Robert and Ivy Newman.  He had a busy childhood with many siblings, nine brothers and four sisters.  He immigrated to Canada as a young man in April 1954 following the lead of many of his brothers.  He settled in Calgary and worked his entire career as an accountant with one company, Petrofina, subsequently Petro Canada.

Kermitt married the love of his life, Patricia (Paddy) McManus in August 1958. They had nearly 64 years of marriage, during which they raised five children.  Community involvement was important to Kermitt.  He spent more than twenty years coaching community soccer, first in the Triwood community, and he was one of the founders of the Calgary Blizzards.  He was a positive role model for hundreds of children throughout these years and will be remembered by many.

In his spare time, Kermitt loved to golf.  It was not unusual for him to golf 36 holes in a day.  After his retirement, he enjoyed many rounds and outings with his same foursome.  His love of living in a warm climate was nourished by time in Kapulanaikai, Kihei Maui.  He loved spending time there with his wife and family.

He is survived by his wife Paddy; his children John (Louise Morrison), Peggy Wong (Glenn), Dan (Susan Sinclair), Barb (Akram Ziada); grandchildren Rachel Lesser (Andrew), Lorelei Wong (Jon Lien), Liz Newman (Shane Sercombe), Clare Newman, Andy Ziada, Dan Morrison (Candace Moriyama), Heather Griffiths (Lachlan), Sarah Morrison, great-grandchildren Brooke, Riley, Zoe, Eli, Alex, Mason, Ethan; brothers Lester (Agnes) and Errol (Dorothy); numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, his son Sandy, daughter-in-law Karen, four sisters, and seven brothers.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Luke’s Catholic Church (corner of Northmount Drive and Northland Drive NW) on Friday, August 5, 2022, at 11:00 am. Preceding the Funeral Mass a piano tribute will be conducted by Henry Kirichkov. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall. Flowers gratefully declined.