Donald M. Newton 1976-77

Cardston, Alberta's, significant contribution to this profession is Don Newton – a man of action, energy, purpose and compassion. His early education took place in the "basketball capital of Canada," from there he went on to the University of Alberta where his playing talents were well utilized as she starred with the Golden Bears in the early '50s. His advanced educational preparation led him to a Master's degree at Brigham Young University and a Doctorate with Northern Colorado, where he researched professional preparation in the universities of Canada.

Don is truly a western son; he served in professional teaching roles in junior high in Lethbridge, in senior high in Edmonton and Calgary and in the Universities of Saskatchewan and Calgary. He has been an exemplary teacher-coach-administrator and church volunteer. He has coached basketball and track and field for over twenty years at nearly every level ranging from the neighbourhood church leaguer up to the Senior Canadian Championship level. His greatest facet has been his ability to treat each of his players as a special person, a younger friend, and he has helped each in turn set for himself new and more lofty goals. It has not only been the elite athlete who has captured Don's attention, his dedicated work in college intramural programs soon drew him into the executive of the National Intramural Association of the United States.

Don's work as an administrator has long been recognized – his ability to discern problems and allocate responsibilities is well known to this assembly as well as to others. He has served in a range of executive positions in basketball in two provinces, at the local level of CAHPER, at the provincial level in the Alberta Teachers' Association, and was elected National President of CAHPER in 1976. Here he devoted his attention to broader fiscal support for the Association and helped develop a strong relationship between our Association and the federal government. It is tireless workers like Don who give heart and purpose to us all in the service to our nation through this profession.

As President of CAHPER, Don became a well-known national and international physical educator who was asked to serve on the Canadian Commission on Education to UNESCO and as Chairman of CAHPER's International Relations Committee. Don has been a strong voice for our profession. In 1977 he was awarded the Queen's Jubilee Medal for outstanding service to the nation.

It is perhaps for his fine family of five children and his lovely wife Colleen that Don is known by his many personal friends. Through his work in his church and with his family he provides an exemplary model.

His contribution to this profession has been significant and outstanding. His work with his students at Calgary is warm and effective. In the opinion of his former Dean, with whom he worked so closely, not only is Don a conscientious student of life, and a dedicated worker for our profession, he is also an exemplary citizen and a most loyal friend. It is with pride that Don Newton is recommended for the highest honour this profession can extend.

1980 R. Tait McKenzie Honour Award recipient
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

Accolades

• 1976 - 77 CAHPERD President
• 1977 Queen's Jubilee Medal recipient
• 1980 R. Tait McKenzie Honour Award recipient

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