Stephen ""Steve"" Hunter Newton

On December 9th, Stephen (Steve) Hunter Newton, passed away surrounded by loved ones. Steve is preceded in death by parents Sam and Hilda (Brickell) Newton, sister Deborah Parker Newton, and beloved pups Hudson, Pepper, Little Looe, and Tallie. He is survived by daughters Kelley and Bridget, Kelley's spouse Megan Hvastkovs, grandson Orion, former spouse Lynne, sister and brother-in-law Carol Ann and Jim Stout, nephew and niece Tyler and Holly Stout, lifelong friends John Cullerton, Milt Swanson, Steve Hardy, Donny and Jesse Linville, as well as pups Tux and Mae Bell.

Graduating from Cherry Creek High School in 1971, Steve went on to Western State College where he joined the ski team. After returning from Gunnison, Steve obtained his pilot's license and began a career in aviation. He enjoyed flying a Cessna 182 and co-piloting a Cessna 337. He started working on instruments in 1973 in a radio shop owned by his father, housed in Clinton Aviation at what became Centennial Airport. He moved to Stapleton International Airport when his father opened a second shop, Avionics Engineering of Denver. In 1975, the shop was purchased by Combs Gates. Steve stayed with Combs Gates and subsequent owners Gates Learjet, American Airlines, and Bombardier for over 25 years. In 1999, he opened his own company, Centennial Instruments, near Centennial Airport.

Steve enjoyed many activities with pride and enthusiasm. In his youth, he participated in the annual Dillon Open at the Dillon Yacht Club. He was a member at Skyline Acres Swim and Tennis Club for 20 years. Just this year, Steve proudly marked his 50^th anniversary as a member of the Colorado Mile High Clam and Lobster Club.

Steve had two gears: stop and go. He could build and fix anything. His shop was a magic place for his girls and all the neighborhood kids to gather. Even though it seemed he owned every tool known to man, trips to the hardware store were frequent and a treat for whoever accompanied him. His projects were endless. He built picnic tables, golf clubs, skateboards, remote-controlled vehicles and aircrafts; he restored VW bugs and a pop-up camper. His favorite creation was a remote controlled 2×4 on wheels, which he raced down the street past cars. During rides in his rebuilt VW bugs, parts would frequently fall off, and doors would open mid-flight. On these occasions he would smile and say, ""that's why you wear a seatbelt!""

Every Christmas his house was ablaze with lights. Hanging lights was not an occasion to be missed! Kids were assigned the task of untangling strands and replacing bad bulbs. Steve was even known to dangle Kelley from the roof, attached to a rope tied around her waist, in order to get the lights to hang just so.

Steve's path was never straight. He would weave through neighborhoods, taking the scenic route, even on trips to the ER. Steve often welcomed storms by sitting with kids and company on the front porch. He was even known to assign young Bridget the harrowing task of attaching the rain gutters in trepidatious weather. A natural storyteller and a great neighbor, he shoveled everyone's driveway and often treated them to his BBQ ribs.

He spent many fine days tending the family ranch in Empire, Colorado. During summers, Steve taught kids how to catch and gut trout. They also learned how to row boats, mend fences, care for cattle, chop wood, drive 4-wheel vehicles on backcountry roads, and the delicate art of beaver mitigation. Winter weekends were spent tobogganing behind a Jeep in the meadow or heading up to A-Basin and Loveland for skiing.

Steve was a sight to behold on roller blades, but poetry on water and downhill skis. He was a steadfast soccer coach and never missed a game. He was always in attendance at his children's swim meets, golf tournaments, as well as basketball and softball games.

As that rare true friend who would do anything for anyone, you could always count on him. During hard times, Steve was a best friend, a big heart, and a rock of comfort and courage. He was larger than life, a hero, and a second father. He is much loved and will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace, Kahuna!

A service will be held Friday January 11, 2019 at Exploration of Flight at Centennial Airport, 13005 Wings Way, Englewood, Colorado 80112. The memorial will begin at 6 pm and will be immediately followed by a celebration of life.

Memorial Service: January 11, 2019 6:00 pm

Exploration of Flight at Centennial Airport
13005 Wings Way
Englewood, CO 80112

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