'austraLasia' #85

WELL-LOVED AUSTRALIAN SALESIAN DIES

D. Handley

GAWLER (S.A): 17th July -- Brother Reg Newport, aged 80, passed to his

eternal reward on Friday July 10th at Port Pirie, South Australia.

Reg was born in 1918 in South Australia, and after serving in the

Australian Airforce as a Flight Lieutenant, joined the Salesians in

1949. Reg served in almost every house of the Province, including 4

years in the newest mission of the Province in Samoa. His apostolate

involved teaching in the Technical area, and later in life as a

community bursar.

He was a very jovial and happy man, who enjoyed the company of

Salesians, and was the heart of any community.

Reg developed heart trouble later in life, and died peacefully after two

severe strokes.

The people of Port Pirie farewelled Reg in style with a well attended

memorial Mass in the Port Pirie Cathedral. Fifteen priests concelebrated

the Eucharist, led by the Rector of the local community Ray Cau.

The Funeral Mass and interment of Reg took place at Salesian College

Rupertswood, Victoria, on Wednesday July 15. Over 50 Salesians joined

with relatives and friends of Brother Reg to prayerfully farewell a

loved well member of the Province. The Eucharist was led by Fr John

Prest, Vice Provincial, and the homily given by Fr Ray Cau, Rector of

the Port Pirie Community.

The procession to the Salesian Cemetery was lined by over 300 students

from the College, as they paid their respects to a man who had given his

life to his God in the work of John Bosco.

May he rest in peace.