Whitby Mayor and the Newman family at the tree planting ceremony in honour of former Mayor Des Newman
Last week, friends, family, and community leaders came together in Whitby Civic Park behind Town Hall to dedicate a tree and a commemorative plaque celebrating an aerospace innovator and the youngest mayor in the town’s history.
As the new Blue Spruce takes root, so does the memory of a man who greatly influenced modern Whitby, stated Whitby Mayor Elizabethe Roy while honoring Des Newman, who passed away last June at the age of 94.
“Des Newman helped shape the Whitby we know today. From championing regional partnerships to supporting investments in healthcare, arts, recreation, and community infrastructure, his leadership left a lasting impact on our community. It is fitting that this tribute will stand in the heart of Whitby for future generations to reflect on his legacy.”
Elected in 1966 as the youngest mayor in Whitby’s history, Newman served for ten years and played an important role in many significant milestones for the community. He advocated for merging Whitby with Township and contributed to establishing the Regional Municipality of Durham when it was formed in 1973.
Newman was a “true community builder” whose influence will be felt in Whitby for “generations to come,” Roy added.
“He recognized how vital it is to invest in infrastructure that supports a growing town by pushing for projects like Iroquois Park Sports Centre and helping set up J. O. Ruddy General Hospital (now Lakeridge Health Whitby) along with Whitby Arts Inc. (now Station Gallery).”
“Whitby has lost a respected leader, but Newman’s legacy lives on in the community he helped build.”
Born in British Guiana in 1931 and immigrating to Canada in 1955, Newman is most recognized locally for his time as mayor (his daughter Deirdre also served on Whitby Council) as well as his contributions to both business and community.
He was the founding chairman of both Durham Region Manufacturers Association and Dennis O’Connor Catholic High School. He also chaired the Industrial Accident Prevention Association for Central Ontario and held presidency at the local Rotary Club.
Des Newman
Upon retirement, he received Freedom of the Town of Whitby along with recognition from the Whitby Chamber of Commerce through its Peter Perry Award. He also earned Canada’s Centennial Medal along with Queen’s 50th and 60th Anniversary Medals. In 2015, he was honored with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.
Newman was always approachable towards residents, aspiring entrepreneurs, and even young journalists eager to learn from his expertise about aerospace-a field where much of his work went unnoticed.
In 1956, he began working as a chemist at Ajax-based Cametoid Ltd., part of Dowty Group. By 1967 he had acquired ownership of this company.
The firm worked on Avro Arrow until its sudden cancellation by John Diefenbaker’s government back in 1958.
The company’s specialty lay within a unique chemical plating process that enabled jets and spacecraft to operate at high altitudes; when Canada launched its first satellite Alouette, Cametoid had gold-plated its fixed antennas.
Additionally, Cametoid provided coatings for Canada’s initial Canadarm alongside several Canadian ANIK satellites.
After acquiring Cametoid, he expanded its services into aerospace and defense sectors within America as well; later on he chaired Department of Defence Supply Chain Management Committee for seven years which led to creating Dr. Desmond G. Newman Supply Chain Management Award established later as tribute to him.
Mayer Roy was accompanied at this tree dedication ceremony by Newman’s wife Marjorie who shared seventy years together along with two daughters including Deirdre-who plans to run for regional council this upcoming fall.
“Thank you Mayor Elizabeth Roy & council members plus staff involved organizing such lovely ceremony & tree planting honoring my father. The kindness shown by everyone attending means so much!”
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Des Newman
Upon retirement, he received Freedom of the Town of Whitby along with recognition from the Whitby Chamber of Commerce through its Peter Perry Award. He also earned Canada’s Centennial Medal along with Queen’s 50th and 60th Anniversary Medals. In 2015, he was honored with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.
Newman was always approachable towards residents, aspiring entrepreneurs, and even young journalists eager to learn from his expertise about aerospace-a field where much of his work went unnoticed.
In 1956, he began working as a chemist at Ajax-based Cametoid Ltd., part of Dowty Group. By 1967 he had acquired ownership of this company.
The firm worked on Avro Arrow until its sudden cancellation by John Diefenbaker’s government back in 1958.
The company’s specialty lay within a unique chemical plating process that enabled jets and spacecraft to operate at high altitudes; when Canada launched its first satellite Alouette, Cametoid had gold-plated its fixed antennas.
Additionally, Cametoid provided coatings for Canada’s initial Canadarm alongside several Canadian ANIK satellites.
After acquiring Cametoid, he expanded its services into aerospace and defense sectors within America as well; later on he chaired Department of Defence Supply Chain Management Committee for seven years which led to creating Dr. Desmond G. Newman Supply Chain Management Award established later as tribute to him.
Mayer Roy was accompanied at this tree dedication ceremony by Newman’s wife Marjorie who shared seventy years together along with two daughters including Deirdre-who plans to run for regional council this upcoming fall.
“Thank you Mayor Elizabeth Roy & council members plus staff involved organizing such lovely ceremony & tree planting honoring my father. The kindness shown by everyone attending means so much!”
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