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05/20/09 - NNHS Newsletter - Newt Heisley Newton F. Heisley (09 Nov 1920 - 14 May 2009)

Dear Friends and Schoolmates,   

   We have yet another sad edition of the NNHS Newsletter today.        Newton F. "Newt" Heisley, original creator and designer of the    POW/MIA Flag, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2009 in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the age of 88.

   From Butch Ragland ('63) of CO - 05/19/09 - "Death of My Dear Friend   Mr. Newt Heisley - POW/MIA Flag Original Creator and Designer":

Hi Carol,

... I have written to inform you that my dear friend (Newt Heisley) who was the creative designer for the POW/MIA Flag flown around the world, was placed in eternal rest this morning, following his death last Thursday, May 14, 2009. Newt visited with me on average about 3-4 times weekly and was in my retail store on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 to tell me that he and his fiancée (Donna) were going to marry. Some of you may know that I have supplied the POW/MIA Flags which Newt would sign and send to people around the world with his autograph, for a couple of years. I was also honored to supply a POW/MIA Flag which was buried with Newt this morning.

In the short couple years I have know Newt, I came to see him as one of the most caring, considerate veterans I have ever known. We enjoyed many conversations about his WWII days as a pilot and the many places of interest he visited during his 88 years on God's Earth. We often spoke of the many opportunities Newt was afforded to give back to our nation in support of our military men and women of all branches of the Armed Forces. Newt often spoke at POW/MIA Organization Functions; American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, local Civic Affairs and National Affairs in support of our Armed Service Members. As he would talk about these many opportunities you could sense the love of country and our veterans which Newt held within his heart. Just being around this man made you proud to be an American!

One of the most impressive aspects pertaining to Newt, was that he never expected any recognition for his creation; but once it was received, he carried that appreciation humbly without much fanfare! He often spoke about how honored he was to have been asked to create the POW/MIA Flag; and that all thoughts should be for those service members it represented; not himself!

In my humble, personal opinion, Newt was the personification of "A Great American" and I will miss him greatly.

May God Bless & Keep Him,

Butch Ragland, NNHS 63
May 19, 2009

PS: Newt did not want a funeral. He wanted a celebration instead and on Flag Day, June 14, 2009, we will be having that celebration at the American Legion Post #38 in Fountain, CO; just a couple miles south of Colorado Springs, CO. Many members of my American Legion Post #209 will also be there to wish Newt on through his eternal rest.

BR

   Butch, I read your note with a combination of awe and astonishment, as I was unaware of any of the history you mentioned, let alone your close connection with this great American.  My sincerest condolences on the loss of your friend. Thank you so much for letting us know.  

From the Colorado Springs Gazette - 05/19/09:

		Newton F. "Newt" Heisley, age 88, of Colorado Springs, CO, passed away on May 14, 2009, at his home, after a short period of failing health. Newt was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on November 9, 1920, to the late Newton C. and Frances Heisley. He received a degree in Fine Arts from Syracuse University and worked in the advertising business in New York City for many years. During that time, Newt designed the nationally recognized POW/MIA Flag. In the early 1970's Newt moved to Colorado Springs and started his own graphic design firm. Shortly thereafter, his son Jim joined him and together they grew the business known as Heisley Design & Advertising. Newt was honored by the Pikes Peak Advertising Federation, under the auspices of the American Advertising Federation, as the 1982 Advertising Person of the Year, and awarded the AAF Silver Medal.
Newt Heisley
Newt was preceded in death by his beloved Margaret "Bunny" Heisley in 2005, after 61 years of marriage. He is survived by his fiancée, Donna Allison of Colorado Springs, two sons, Jeffrey Heisley (wife Susan) of Alaska and James Heisley (wife Deborah) of Colorado Springs, one sister, Patricia Freshney (husband William) of Baton Rouge, LA, one grand-daughter, Sara Heisley of Colorado Springs, several special nieces and nephews, and a host of dear extended family members and friends. Per Newt's wishes, there will be no funeral services and a celebration of his life will be held for family and friends on Sunday, June 14 from 1 to 4 pm at the American Legion Post 38 in Security, CO. Persons wanting to make memorial gifts in Newton's name are requested to make them to USAFA Athletics, Football Program, 2168 Field House Drive, USAFA, CO 80840, Attention: Dermot Coll or The Home Front Cares (helps families of deployed troops), Inc. P.O. Box 38516, Colorado Springs, CO 80937-8516. Published in The (Colorado Springs) Gazette from 5/19/2009 - 5/24/2009. View/Sign Guest Book

   From Butch Ragland ('63) of CO - 05/20/09:

Marine Corps Seal clip art courtesy of the late Herbert Hice of MI - one of my Famous Marines who served in the South Pacific during WWII.
Thanks again, Herbie!

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