Rev. Robert Newby

The Rev. Robert L. Newby, age 86, went home peacefully to the Lord early in the morning of February 8, 2021, surrounded by his family in Durango, Colorado. He was born in Topeka, Kansas and was raised in Hutchinson, Kansas. He was a graduate of Sterling College and was stationed in the Army at Bisbee, Arizona. In 1962 he and his family moved to Denver, Colorado so he could attend seminary. Throughout his theological career he was ordained as a Baptist minister and an Episcopal priest and served for many years in the churches of Kansas and Colorado. After retiring in 1999, Robert continued his lifelong passion of woodworking, antique furniture refinishing and spending time with his family.

An avid bike rider, Robert rode the Iron Horse Classic many times since moving to Durango in 1984, and did his last ride in 2006 at the age of 71. He also enjoyed golf, hiking the local trails and cross-country skiing.
Robert is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirley Newby; four children: Myra (John) Denigan; Parker Newby (Nancy Berry); Blaine Newby (Allie Molinda); Miles Newby; six grandchildren: Seth, Abbey, John, Anna, Joy and Margaux and his siblings: Richard Newby, Connie Bertrum, Don Cogzill, Larry Newby, Bruce Newby, and Shari Clark.

A funeral service is planned for Saturday, February 13, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Columba Catholic Church in Durango, Colorado. A graveside ceremony will follow at Greenmount Cemetery. The service will also be available live by searching for St Columba Catholic Church Durango on YouTube.

Flowers and cards can be sent care of Shirley Newby, 18 Folsom Place, Durango, CO 81301. Donations may also be made to Manna - The Durango Soup Kitchen.

The family sincerely wishes to thank the ICU Staff at Mercy Medical Center and Chaplain Jacob for their extraordinary care and compassion during our father's final hours.