Obituary of Harold Dennis Newman

Harold Dennis, “Hal” Newman, 89, passed away on March 2, 2024, in Boise, Idaho. A Celebration of Life will be held at Barber Park Event Center on Sunday, April 28th, at 2:00.  

Hal was born to Harold and Kathleen Newman on November 8, 1934, in River Forest, Illinois.  He was raised in the Chicago suburbs, along with his younger sisters, Charleen, Suzie, and Mary Ann. The family lived together, along with Hal’s grandparents, Max and Ida Newman, in a two-apartment house. Hal’s large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins enriched his childhood and were a source of many happy memories. He was raised in the Catholic faith, and his abiding faith in God was a source of comfort and hope for Hal. He grew up as an avid baseball fan, following the Chicago Cubs faithfully throughout his life. Hal was a proud graduate of Fenwick High School, where he formed lasting friendships with his classmates. 

After graduation, Hal attended college in Arizona, before enlisting in the Army. He served a three-year tour of duty in Japan and Korea. He enjoyed the opportunity to see the world, and especially enjoyed exploring the countryside and getting to know the families living there. As he prepared to leave the Army, Hal returned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. It was there he was dazzled by a beautiful young woman, Merylyn Geisler, he had noticed at the PX. Following a brief courtship, Hal and Merylyn were married in November of 1957.  

Hal and Merylyn began their married life in southern California, joining Hal’s family who had moved there a few years earlier. Hal continued his college education at Loyola University, while working a variety of jobs to support the family. In 1959, Hal and Merylyn welcomed daughter Shayna, followed soon after by son Cory, daughter Wendy, son Kermit, and daughters Colleen and Erin. With six children to provide for, Hal began his career as a real estate assessor working for Los Angeles County. He developed strong friendships with his coworkers, and the family was often entertained by stories of the crew at the Assessor’s Office. Hal earned a history degree from Loyola, and later went on to earn a master’s degree in American Studies. He passed along his love of learning to his children and grandchildren, who all earned college degrees. Hal took great pride in their accomplishments. 

Although Hal worked hard, he always made time for family. From impromptu trips to the California beaches, to visits to parks, museums, and camping trips to Idaho, Hal and Merylyn created many happy memories for the family. Celebrating birthdays and holidays with the large extended family was often chaotic, but always a fun time. Hal showed us the importance of spending time with your loved ones. 

Hal and Merylyn moved the family to Boise in 1977, a place they had grown to love after spending many summer vacations visiting Merylyn’s family there. Hal started his own real estate appraisal business, a career that spanned nearly thirty years of service. As a people person, Hal loved meeting clients and always strived to provide an accurate product. He was well respected in the real estate community for his professionalism and kindness. During this time, Hal and Merylyn’s son, Cory, was killed in a tragic car accident. This life-changing loss was a blow to the family, but faith, love, and time eventually allowed us to adjust to the new reality. 

Hal was a man of many interests and hobbies. He was an avid reader, with books on history, religion, philosophy, politics, and science among his favorites. He read and wrote stories and poems, which he shared with family, to our delight. Hal enjoyed horse racing, taking the family to Santa Anita in California and Les Bois Track in Idaho. He played cribbage with the guys, card games with the kids, and was always ready for a game of Scrabble. Hal was creative and often found unique ways to express himself through art. Hal and Merylyn enjoyed traveling with visits to Ireland, France, and Italy among the highlights. 

Hal was known by all who met him as a kind and genuine man. He looked for the good in people and strived to honor their humanity. Hal’s brilliant blue eyes sparkled with humor as he engaged with those around him. He will be remembered for his compassionate spirit, his sense of humor, and his deep commitment to his loving family.  

Hal is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 66 years, Merylyn: his children: Shayna Sklar (Terry), Wendy Coussens (John), Kermit Newman (Lisa), Colleen Meyenberg (Randy), and Erin Newman-Smith (Bill); and his sister Suzie (Frank). Hal delighted in his thirteen grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was an important presence in the lives of his many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Hal’s legacy lives on through the love and memories of family and friends. His stories, his laughter, and the lessons he passed along remain with us. He guides us to take care of each other, to be fair, and to keep our sense of humor through life’s challenges.