Obituary: William R. 'Bill' Newhouse

William R. “Bill” Newhouse, of Boulder, Colo., and Longboat Key, died Nov. 27. He was 85.

Mr. Newhouse lied about his age in order to enlist in the Navy during World War II, during which he became a submariner and eventually witnessed personally the signing of the peace treaty with Japan. He returned home from the Pacific Theater and came within a couple of credits of graduating with degrees in engineering and architecture from the University of Wisconsin. Instead, he took advantage of an opportunity and started his own business, NewCo Inc., as a construction materials consultant. He continued with the business until his 82nd birthday.

In 1967, Mr. Newhouse became president of Optimist International and traveled the world, including a trip to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., where the Optimist International float won the Judge’s Award.

Mr. Newhouse is survived by his daughters, Jane Newhouse and Anne Newhouse Byrne; and three grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 7, at the First Congregational Church in Boulder. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Optimist International, 4494 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, Mo., 63108. M.P. Murphy and Associates Funeral Directors of Boulder is handling the arrangements.