Bruce Newby, 69

Bruce Edward Newby of Pablo went home to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on May 6, 2025.

Bruce was born Feb. 8, 1956, in Kalispell. He was dedicated to God at the Little Brown Church in Bigfork, the family church. Bruce lived most of his life in the Flathead Valley.

On March 30, 1973, Bruce enlisted in the U.S. Navy at 17, sailing far and wide for three years, seven months. He served aboard the USS Oklahoma City and USS Blue Ridge, Command Ship for Task Force 76, during the Fall of Saigon and Operation Frequent Wind, and was honorably discharged on March 29, 1979.

Subsequently, Bruce served as a Merchant Marine sailing out of Oxnard, Calif., and several Texas maritime ports. He studied at SeaSchool earning Radar Observer, Celestial Navigation certifications and achieving U.S. Coastguard Licensed Master Captain for passenger, freight and towing on vessels up to 1,600 Gross Ton.

In 1992, Bruce returned to Lake County where he and his brother, Rick, founded and operated All Terrain Excavating, Inc., for 28 years. Bruce and Rick worked all over Montana, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Utah, Washington and Wyoming with their amazing spider hoes that left no footprint rebuilding fish habitats, excavating for phone and powerlines, residences and ski resorts in remote locations. 

Bruce liked to tease a bit and was quick witted with wordplay and puns. He was blessed with good health and a strong constitution until the last few years. “Biker Bruce” loved riding motorcycles on highways, byways, and up in the mountains and playing his guitars.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Newby and Lois Davidson, and several aunts and uncles. He is survived by two daughters: Amber Lee Cortez (Omar) of Pleasant Grove, Calif., and grandchildren Junior, Marcus and Em Marie, and Traci Thomas (Shane) of Pinehurst, N.C., and grandchildren Sydney, Hanna and Jacob; Uncle Louis Davidson (Norma); siblings Denny Newby (Pam), Joye Albert (Fred), Rick Newby, Tam Newby, Melissa Blue and Yolanda Brown Andrews; as well as countless cousins, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews!

His large family extended well beyond blood: you know who you are. Forgive us for those not recorded here. Each life that touched Bruce was important to him and we thank you for sharing his life.

Bruce rescued an Irish Setter, Rio, and two kitties, both named Kiki. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Bruce’s name to your local Humane Society or plant a tree in his memory through Foster Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted online at fosterfhandcrematory.com.

His graveside-only service is Friday, May 16, at Lone Pine Cemetery next door to the Little Brown Church at the corner of MT Hwy. 35 and Swan Hwy. in Bigfork. Bruce’s funeral procession will depart from 4B’s parking lot in Polson at 10:20 a.m. May 16.