Roger Newton's 'Celebration of Life' event
Held at the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum - A.K.A. Roger's House

Friends and family of Roger Newton gathered at the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum on Saturday, August 16, 2009, for an emotional tribute to one of the most beloved members of the R/C and full-size hydro racing fraternity. The celebration concluded with David Newton firing the 12-cylinder Allison engine in the Miss Burien as a final salute to his father. The 15min Roger J. Newton tribute video, which was shown at the event, is posted below.


Roger J. Newton tribute video - Part 1


Roger J. Newton tribute video - Part 2

I don't know the exact figures but was told that there were 450 chairs put out and there was standing room only and I would guess approx 500-600 people? There was a strong turnout by R/C boaters as expected, his fire department friends , and just friends in general. It was very nice to see all these people considering that it was about 90 deg out.

Hanging in the overhead when you walk into the museum was a mobile of Roger's past hulls hanging for display. This was very nicely done by Don Mock, and Marc Connely.

The Hurricane pictured below was one of Roger's last projects at the Museum

David Newton in honer of his dad got to fire up live the Miss Burien outside the Museum and that was just the final touch of a great get together.