Bobby Newland Obituary

Pete Mcdowell '67 said:

Bob was from the Class of '67!

Pete Mcdowell '67 said:

Robert "Bob" Vaughn Newland

October 27, 1948 - June 30, 2021

Bob Newland, Oregon Duck and New Orleans Saints football player, businessman, loving husband, father and grandfather passed from this earth into glory on June 30th, 2021 at 72 years old. He was surrounded by his family -- just as he would have wanted.

Bob was born on October 27, 1948 in Medford, Oregon to Robert Warren and Carolyn Vaughn Newland. He moved to Eugene with his parents and sisters Carole and Candace in 1957. Bob was a proud North Eugene Highlander, class of 1967. He went on to the University of Oregon where he studied sociology, was a member of the student senate, and played wide receiver for the Oregon Ducks football team. Bob was a force on the gridiron, setting many school records at Oregon and earning All-American honors in 1970. Bob went on to play for the New Orleans Saints for four seasons, from 1971-1974. He received the University of Oregon's Leo Harris Award in 1991 and was inducted into the University of Oregon's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994.

The greatest catch of Bob's life was when he met and fell in love with Christie Cole in 1974. They got married on June 22, 1974 in Sacramento, California and started a 47-year adventure based on respect, love, and their shared importance of family. Their love was one for the ages; their relationship was a model for many in their family. They truly cherished each other. In 1975 they returned to Eugene where they later raised their children - son Bill and daughter Anne. Bob was an inspiration for his children and a lifelong support to them.

After retiring from football, Bob became a successful businessman in Eugene, first as a lumber wholesaler and later as a financial advisor. Bob was a proud Catholic and active in his church. He attended the Newman Center in Eugene. Bob loved to travel with his wife and family. He was active in the Eugene community. Bob was a proud supporter of the Oregon Ducks, a Rotarian, a member of the Knights of the Round Table, active in the Oregon Track Club, on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Emerald Valley, a longtime volunteer with KidsSports, and a coach for his children's and grandchildren's football and basketball teams. As an advocate for youth and youth sports throughout his lifetime, Bob saw the potential in people, especially in young people, and did his best to help them reach their potential. He believed that sports are a great equalizer, that sports are a great outlet for children, and that sports help people gain confidence, have fun, and learn essential life skills such as working with others and overcoming challenges.

Bob is survived by his wife Christie Newland, sister Candace Newland-Holley, son Bill and daughter-in-law Christina Newland, daughter Anne and son-in-law Diogo Bolster, his five grandchildren Antonio, Daniela, Bobby, Will and Caroline, and his beloved nieces and nephews.

Bob will be missed dearly by his family and friends, but we are comforted that as a follower of Jesus he is now resting peacefully with the Lord.