Andrew Johns recalls his friendship with golf legend Jack Newton | Newcastle Herald | April 15, 2022
FAMILY have paid tribute to Australian golf legend Jack Newton, who has died aged 72.
The Cessnock-born Novocastrian sporting hero played between 1971 and 1983 before the tragic aeroplane accident that cost him his right arm.
He went on to establish the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation in 1986. The organisation has been funded largely from the proceeds of the annual Jack Newton Celebrity Classic.
The Newcastle Herald reported in 2013 that Newton had raised more than $3 million for junior golf, as well as diabetes research and awareness campaigns
NO SILVER LININGS: Hunter golfing legend Jack Newton was diagnosed with dementia in 2019. His loving wife Jackie, pictured here with Jack in their Merewether home, said her husband's condition has gradually deteriorated over the past year. Picture: Marina NeilNO SILVER LININGS: Hunter golfing legend Jack Newton was diagnosed with dementia in 2019. His loving wife Jackie, pictured here with Jack in their Merewether home, said her husband's condition has gradually deteriorated over the past year. Picture: Marina NeilJACK NEWTON CLASSIC: Jack Newton was born in Cessnock, New South Wales. He was one of Australia's most successful golfers in the 1970s and early 1980s. On 24 July 1983, during the height of his professional career, Newton had a near-fatal accident when he walked into the spinning propeller of a Cessna airplane at Sydney Airport. He lost his right arm and eye, and sustained severe abdominal injuries.NO SILVER LININGS: Hunter golfing legend Jack Newton was diagnosed with dementia in 2019. His loving wife Jackie, pictured here with Jack in their Merewether home, said her husband's condition has gradually deteriorated over the past year. Picture: Marina NeilJACK NEWTON CLASSIC: Jack Newton was born in Cessnock, New South Wales. He was one of Australia's most successful golfers in the 1970s and early 1980s. On 24 July 1983, during the height of his professional career, Newton had a near-fatal accident when he walked into the spinning propeller of a Cessna airplane at Sydney Airport. He lost his right arm and eye, and sustained severe abdominal injuries.
In a statement on Friday Newton's family confirmed the tragic loss.
"On behalf of our family, it is with great sadness I announce that our courageous and loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and mate, Jack Newton OAM has passed away overnight due to health complications," the statement read.
"His passion for sport and contributing to future generations of golfers and the Australian community demonstrates the character of our father, beloved husband, proud brother, adoring grandfather, and maverick mate. Dad's legacy will live on through his wife Jackie, daughter Kristie, son Clint, grandchildren Matilda, Hope, Jessie, Noah, Paige, and Indie.
"In true Jack Newton style, we will celebrate his incredible life; however, for now, our family asks for privacy and we appreciate everyone's love, support, and friendship throughout his life."
