Tehachapi News

larger view

Robert ‘Bob’ Van Rensellar Newell, 81, died peacefully at his home in Bear Valley Springs, on March 1, after a brief illness and hospitalization.
Bob was born June 16, 1926 in Oak Park, Ill., to parents Robert Newell and Beryl Coppernoll.

Bob was an active member of the Tehachapi Kiwanis, and attended the United Congregational Church of Christ, where he made many friends, and always enjoyed sharing a joke, and rubbing shoulders. He took much pride and comfort in volunteering his time and service in the community, which included the Tehachapi Hospital Guild, the Alzheimer’s Day program, in Bakersfield, the Wednesday respite group in Tehachapi, the Salvation Army food bank program, the Tehachapi Democratic Club, and many other community endeavors. He particularly liked attending the senior’s exercise group twice a week.

Bob served as an aviation ordinance man in the Asiatic Pacific during WWII from 1944 to 1946 and after military service he attended the University of California, at Berkeley, where he earned a master’s degree in Communications.

Thus began a long career in education spanning over 40 years during which he served as a teacher, counselor, school board member, principal, and superintendent in various school districts in Northern California and North Idaho. Bob earned another masters degree in counseling in 1977. He retired from North Idaho College in Couer D’ Alene, Id. in 2001 where he served both as a teacher, academic advisor, and counselor. As a mentor to many young adults throughout his career in education, his greatest passion was teaching and advising new college students. While he received professional recognition from his peers, he was most grateful for the recognition he received from his students throughout the years.

He also had a big heart for animals, especially his dogs and cats. He also always felt at peace being near the ocean.

In 2001 he moved to Tehachapi with his loving wife of 27 years, Carol Ann Casey-Newell. He is also survived by loving stepchildren, Michelle Casey Tattersall, of Sacramento, Brian Casey Biro, of San Diego, Cherie Varah, of Alaska, Jan Reasoner, of Truckee, and Wendy Zack, also of Truckee.

Bob will be sorely missed.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son Keats Newell, June 24, 2006 upon whom ‘the sun rose and set.’

Private services will be held at the Tehachapi Community Congregational Church, 100 East E Street, on March 16 at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Bob’s name to, the Alzheimer's Association, the American Cancer Association, or the Humane Society.