Lasting Memories
Gordon W. Newell
Aug. 27, 1921-March 14, 2012
Cupertino, California
Submitted by Bill Newell
Gordon Wilfred Newell, a 50-year resident of Palo Alto, passed peacefully in his home with family on Wednesday, March 14, 2012, at 90 years of age.
He was born and raised in Madison, Wis., where he received his entire academic education, capped by a PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin. His name is inscribed on the Wall of Distinction in the Biochemistry Building.
He was a Life Science researcher at Stanford Research Institute for over 25 years, followed by a career at the National Academy of Science in Washington D.C. He continued his career as an expert toxicology consultant well into his 80s.
He was an avid fly fisherman and wine connoisseur who once picked grapes with famed winemaker Martin Rey. He loved music including jazz, classical, dancing and singing with the Forum Community Chorus. He was a Palo Alto community leader who helped to pass the local construction bond to create Gunn High School.
He was known for his scientific and community intellect serving on numerous professional and community boards and commissions both locally and worldwide. A renowned scientist, he was recognized for having the longest years of service with the International Society of Toxicologists.
He was a generous man who welcomed both people from around the world and down the street into his home where there was always a place at the table. A world traveler both professionally, and in leisure, he provided scientific professional services to countries in Africa, Europe and Asia.
He was married to Rosemary for 58 years before she preceded him in death in 2006. He is survived by his two sons and two daughters, and spouses, Bill Newell and Roberta Roth of Redwood City; Allan and Gayle Newell of Irvine; Nancy and Jeff Thompson of Granite Bay; and Betsy and Albert Cuisinot of Menlo Park; grandchildren, Chris, Katie, Danielle, Traci, Paul, David, Bennett, Jacque and Nicholas.
April 2, 2017
I met Gordon at the inaugural meeting of the Society of Toxicology in Rochester, NY in late summer of 1961 when I was a 24 year old new comer to science. We became friends immediately. Later , he served on the staff of the Natioanl Research Council/ National Academies of Science in Washington, DC. In that role he was instrumental in my appointment as Chair of the Committee on Toxicology, a role I filled for 7 years. Gordon's confidence in me was instrumental in my election to the National Academy of Medicine in 1990. He had a life well lived. I am pleased I was able to share part of the walk of life with Gordon. Roger O. McClellan
March 26, 2012
There were too many memories to list. Seran and I lived next door to Gordon and Rosemary. You couldn't ask for better neighbors. Gordon (and Rosemary), you will be missed.
March 22, 2012
I too remember Uncle Gordon through the eyes of a young girl. He was an iconic man, whose visits to our home were always anticipated with joy. I will never forget the night that he was driving my Dad's ragtop VW Beetle through our home town of Oregon, WI on a summer night. He let Betsy and me stand up with our heads out of the top of the car, yelling and hooting at the top of our lungs. Gordon, you are branded onto my heart. I will love you forever.
March 20, 2012
I have so many fond memories of Gordon. From Gordon and Rosemary dancing into the room as Betsy and I watched a movie late at night, to his really stinky cheese in the garage refrigerator, to the smell of his pipes on the rack in his office, to making us deliver the Peter McCloskey filers around the neighborhood on Saturday morning. Gordon had the cutting edge techno toys in the late '60s/early '70s thanks to his work at SRI - we got to test the first Creepy Crawlers and Incredible Edible machines. In more recent years Gordon always greeted me with a big smile. He always asked what was going on in my life and made me feel loved. I have been blessed to have been close to the Newell family over the years. I will miss Gordon.