SOUTH HILL, Wash. - Kenneth (Ken) Edward Newman, passed away naturally in his sleep on June 19, 2014, at the age of 88 in South Hill, Wash.

Born in Sheridan, Wyo., on Jan. 9, 1926, to Erich and Anna Newman, Ken graduated from Sheridan High School. He served with the Navy in the Pacific from 1944 through 1945 leaving the service in 1946. Returning to Sheridan, he met Beverly Poehler and was married in 1948.

Ken worked with Ryan Wholesale Grocery Company (later SUPERVALU) from the time he returned from the service until his retirement in 1986. The family moved from Sheridan to Billings, Mont., in 1956 as a result of a promotion opportunity. Throughout the course of his career, Ken held positions ranging from warehousing, sales, buying and finally as General Manager of the Billings Division.

The focus of Ken's attention outside of work was the family cabin on the Main Boulder River outside of Big Timber, Mont. Fishing, building a studio for Beverly's painting, the BBQ fire pit next to the huge deck were all projects met with a labor of love. The family would routinely travel from across the country to gather at the cabin for annual get-togethers.

Suffering from COPD and congestive heart failure, Ken moved from Montana following the death of his wife to western Washington in 2013 to be closer to his son, Kent and his family.

He is survived by his son, Kent, daughter-in-law, Kari, and grandson, Erich. Brother-in-law, Lloyd Poehler and his wife, Dora, also reside in South Hill, Wash. Extended family includes nephews and nieces in Wyoming.

Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly, in 2013 and his youngest son, Lance, in 2002.

Following Ken's wishes, no memorial services will be held. Ken's ashes will become a part of the property surrounding the cabin on the Boulder River.

As he often said near the end of his life, "Things turned out better than I expected."

The Billings Gazette - July 6, 2014.