Robert Michael (Mike) Newton was born on June 25, 1947, in Temple, Texas, and passed away after a brief illness on July 30, 2023, in Denver, Colorado. He was 76 years old.

Mike's family moved to Denver in 1956 and a year later to Westminster where he grew up and graduated from Westminster High School. He earned a academic and baseball scholarship to CU-Boulder where he majored in English and played baseball under Coach Prentup. Mike was a pitcher and outfielder.

While at CU, Mike met Catherine Kilker and they were married in 1977. They had one son, Emmett Patrick Newton, in 1982. They later divorced.

A severe head injury limited Mike's career options. Despite that, his working years ran the gamut from taxi driver and accountant to stockbroker, tax preparer, and food sales auditor at the world famous Duffy's Shamrock in downtown Denver.

An avid reader, Mike enjoyed all things sports, Broadway musicals, thoroughbred horseracing, rock and roll, political discourse, and lively conversation. Following his retirement, he lived quietly at his Cherry Creek apartment where he would deliver the morning papers to elder residents.

Mike's unique approach to life—combined with his head injury—could often strain his relationships with friends and family. Nevertheless, he was loved by many. To his countless friends from decades past: Wherever you are, we hope you remember the good times.

Mike is survived by his son, Emmett Newton of Denver, and loyal friends across Colorado and beyond. He is predeceased by his parents, Sue and Robert Newton, brother Pat Newton, and sister Nancy Fuller.

If you are moved to offer a gift in his memory, please consider a donation to the Thoroughbred Charities of America , a nonprofit organization committed to sheltering and caring for retired racehorses in need of homes. Alternatively, please consider a donation to St. Judes Children's Research Hospital .