William Lamont Newland

William Lamont Newland, known as Bill to all his friends, was born to William John Newland and Gertrude Ruth (Carew) Newland on October 6th, 1954, in Grand Rapids, MI. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Jusselyn (Russell) Newland on January 23, 2018.

Bill is survived by two children, Jason Newland of Phoenix, AZ and Qadree Trimble of Seattle, WA, and one grandson, Jacob Newland of Phoenix, AZ. Bill was one of six siblings. He has one sister, Teressa D. Newland, and four brothers; Mark A. Newland (Stephanie Sparks-Newland), Matthew J. Newland (Dushi Newland), Paul L. Newland (Jaqueline Andrade-Newland), and Fabian J. Newland (Khatija Newland). Bill is also survived by a total of 24 nieces and nephews.

Bill Graduated from Rogers High School in Wyoming, MI in 1972. During his high school years, Bill worked as a manager of Mcdonald's, the job that allowed him to purchase his first car, a Dodge Challenger. He was on the homecoming court the year of 1969. Bill was vice-president of the Kiwanis Club in 1972. Bill was very gifted with his artwork. He received awards from Junior Achievement and was accepted at Kendall School of Art and Design. Art was not a passion he wanted to pursue. After high school Bill was employed by General Motors as a production worker at the Fisher Body plant in Wyoming, MI. He would move up to a supervisory role until his retirement from GM in 1989. Upon leaving GM, Bill moved his family west to Phoenix, AZ.

Bill’s passion was always the Martial arts where he was tested and ranked as a third degree black belt by Master Tadashi Yamashita. Bill and his wife worked on perfecting Kata and training in weapons like staffs, sais, and nunchucks. Bill entered tournaments and earned trophies displaying his fighting skills! Martial arts expert Bruce Lee was his idol. Bill opened a Martial arts school in Grand Rapids, MI (Phase 6 Institute of Self-defense) where he taught and inspired many students who attended his school. Bill was also a great fan of Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Johnny and Edgar Winter and other great musicians of that time.

In recent years, Bill’s greatest passion was his grandson, Jacob. The two spent a great deal of time together. Bill, we love you, and you will always be in our hearts.