Obituary of Walter Newcomb

Walter (Windy) Newcomb died May 29, 2021. He was born to fierce, funny Laverne (Mickey) and hard-rock miner Raymond Newcomb in 1932. Walt and his brother Raymond Jr. (Tyke) grew up and attended schools in Quapaw and Miami Oklahoma. The family relocated to Denver for Ray Sr.’s health. Walt graduated from South High School in 1950. An outstanding student and scholarship recipient, Walt attended and received degrees, B.A, M.A., from the University of Colorado. He also worked on his P.H.D. at the University of Washington and Stanford. He taught English for Denver Public Schools. He served in the USMC.

Walt was a friend of filmmaker Stan Brakhage and his brief movie career included roles in Interim, The Extraordinary Child and Desistfilm, early films directed by Brakhage. He was a contributor to and edited for Out Front. He traveled extensively and preferred long visits immersed in local communities to quick, sight-seeing trips. He especially loved Oaxaca, Mexico, Costa Rica and noshing his way through France with his partner of 60 years, Milt Shioya. Walt and Milt married on Bastille Day 2017 and celebrated with oysters at Max’s Gill and Grill.

Walt was a beloved friend to many people over the years, he had a keen mind, an amazing memory and the ability to recall song lyrics from any era. And he could sing in tune, an achievement in his family. He will be sorely missed at dessert parties, BBQs, and global Christmas celebrations.

A long-time insomniac Walt would recite poetry to put himself to sleep. Favorite poets were W.H. Auden, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Elizabeth Bishop. Her poem, One Art describes loss, and how Walt’s loved ones feel about losing him.

A private memorial service will be held soon. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to Project Angel Heart.