In Memoriam -- David Newkirk

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of David Newkirk.  David served on the CRA Board of Directors from 1974 until 1980 and as secretary for the 1976-1977 term. David Eugene Newkirk passed away peacefully on Feb. 28, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. 

Dave was born Dec. 10, 1925, to Marie (Chambers) and Fred Newkirk in Dugger, Indiana. The Newkirks moved to McMinnville, Oregon, where Dave and his friends enjoyed biking to the coast and having adventures. Dave joined the Navy in 1942 at the age of 17. He served in the Asiatic Pacific during World War II on LCI’s. He then served as a submariner on submarines, including the USS Seawolf, USS Sargo, and USS Bugara. In 1952 he married his first wife Beverly and they had three children, Richard, Debra and Linda. Dave retired after 20 years from the Navy in 1962, retiring to Napa, California. While visiting his mother in Florida, he found a flyer in a bed his mother had rented about United Rental franchises. In 1963, he and Beverly opened a United Rental franchise in Fairfield, California. She sold Avon while he worked in the business. Eventually they opted out of the franchise and changed the name to Fairfield Rental Service, which he operated with Beverly and his children until his second retirement in 1999. Dave served as the 1979 American Rental Association president, traveling to many countries and across the United States. He was a member of the American Rental Association, California Rental Association and the FaST Lions Club. Dave lost his wife Beverly to cancer in 1981. In 1990 he met Mary Flaherty through a mutual friend. In 1998, he and Mary moved to La Pine Oregon to enjoy retirement, the peaceful outdoors, fishing and the wildlife. In 2001, Dave married Mary and they continued to enjoy La Pine until his passing. 

Dave is survived by his loving wife Mary, sister Patricia Schleining, son Richard (Maureen) Newkirk of Billings, Montana, two daughters, Debra (Dale) Grinols of La Pine, Oregon, and Linda (Steve) Protine of Yuba City, California, and stepdaughter Jackie (Doug) Garland of Oklahoma. He is also survived by the joys of his life – his six grandchildren – Emily Protine, Jennifer (Travis) McCrea, Blair Grinols (Mel), Baylea Protine (Jared), Amy Newkirk (Storr) and Kasey Newkirk. He is also survived by two step-grandchildren, Austin and Amanda Garland, as well as his four-legged friend, Parker, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Harold, and his first wife Beverly. 

Dave, Dad, Grandpa will be missed for his love of family and "Grand dogs," his hugs, giving the best advice in the world, his strong work ethic, and his great head of hair. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Partners in Care Hospice (Bend, OR) or the American Rental Association Foundation. 

Baird Memorial Chapel of La Pine is honored to serve Mr. Newkirk’s family. Please visit their website, www.bairdfh.com, to share condolences and sign the online guestbook.