Obituaries

Richard “Dick” J. Newland, age 88, of DeTour Village, Michigan, passed away at home on Friday evening of August 28, 2025. He was born August 2, 1937, in Trout Lake, Michigan, to Martin and Florence Newland.

At just 14, Dick began working as a clerk at the Trout Lake Railroad Depot during the day, and in the evenings, he traveled across the Eastern Upper Peninsula operating the projector for a mobile movie theater. He went on to dedicate 42 years to Cloverland Electric, starting as a grounds man and steadily working his way up to line superintendent for the Eastern Upper Peninsula. Alongside his career, he also co-owned a satellite TV installation business with his longtime friend, Fred Bryner.

Dick was a proud member of the Les Cheneaux 590 Masonic Lodge. After retirement, he continued to serve his community as treasurer on the Cloverland Board of Directors, representing District A. He also gave of his time as a Little League coach, a member of the DeTour School Board, and as Streets Commissioner for the Village. Together with Bid Munro, he helped bring water and electric service to the village cemetery on South Caribou Lake Road.

In retirement Dick enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, cutting grass, plowing snow, diamond dot paintings, playing cards, feeding birds and squirrels, and especially riding the golf card around town with his beloved dog companions "Tosha" and "Ella."

Dick is survived by daughter, Vickie Newland of Marquette, Michigan; son, Richard (Brenda) Newland of Sterling Heights, Michigan; son, Bradley (Traci) Newland of Elmira, Michigan; grandchildren, Richie (Nancy) Newland, Avery (Bryan) Newland-Witt, Amber (Jody) Newland-Wade, Aaron (Jen Harju) Bebee, Allison (Tom) Richardson, Lexi Newland, Sierra (Everett) Brady, Aleah (Kyle) Malczyk, Michayla (James Duke) Kuznicki, Kara (Sasha) Hofius, Ashley (Tom) Carty, Nick (Kelsey) Potter, Jordan (Amanda) Potter; great-grandchildren, Dylan, Devin, Destiny, Brad, Vladimir, Penelope, Jinora, Gavin, Trinity, Tayvia, Breckyn, Jameson, Camden, Natalie, Wyatt, Bailey; and many other relatives and cherished friends.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, five siblings, wife Vera Bradley Newland, wife Patricia Potter-Newland, and stepson, Audie Potter.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the DeTour Presbyterian Church, 166 Ontario Street, DeTour Village, MI 49725. The service will be officiated by Martin Ledy.