Michael Pierre Newton, 88, of Yreka, California, passed away peacefully at home on December 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Affectionately known as “Papa Mike,” he leaves behind a loving family and his faithful canine companions, Jack and Babette, whom he adored and who loved him dearly in return.
Mike was born in Yreka on September 8, 1937, the youngest of three children born to Dr. Albert H. Newton Sr. and Genevieve Claverie Newton. Mike grew up during an idyllic time in Siskiyou County, spending his days hunting, fishing, camping, and horseback riding. Time spent at the family cabin on Kelsey Creek was a continuing pleasure throughout his life.
He graduated from Yreka High School and UC Berkeley, then earned his law degree at the University of California College of Law, San Francisco (formerly Hastings College of Law). A United States Marine Corps veteran, Mike attended Basic School at Quantico, then deployed to Vietnam, where he served as a regimental staff officer with the 7th Marines and was awarded the Bronze Star with a “V” device denoting acts of heroism. After his discharge from the Marine Corps, Mike returned to Yreka and began practicing law with his brother, Albert H. “Hooch” Newton Jr. He and Hooch practiced law together for over 50 years, and Mike remained an active member of the California State Bar Association for 60 successful years.
In 1961, Mike’s family acquired the historic Parker Ranch on the East Fork of the Scott River. After that time, and especially after he returned home from his military service, Mike and his family spent many years raising cattle, hunting, and generally enjoying “The Ranch”. An avid outdoorsman, Mike especially loved trail riding in the Marble Mountain Wilderness, as well as fishing and hunting around the world with his brother and their friends. His wide-ranging outdoor adventures included bird hunting trips to Mexico and South America, elk hunting across the western United States, and fly fishing excursions to Alaska, Canada, the Bahamas, and beyond. Traveling was also a great joy for Mike and his wife, Natalie. Together, they shared countless adventures across the globe, especially in their favorite destinations— Argentina, Hong Kong, and Italy—where they made many lasting friends.
September 8, 1937 – December 21, 2025
Mike was known for his great sense of humor and his seemingly endless collection of stories and songs. He especially loved regaling his seven grandchildren with funny tales and classic oldies during the family’s annual trips to Maui, a place that held a special spot in his heart.
Mike served as a member of the board of directors of Scott Valley Bank for four decades. He was a lifetime benefactor member of the Marines’ Memorial Association in San Francisco, and was proudly recognized for 67 years of membership in the Yreka Elks Lodge #1980. Reflecting his deep love of dogs, Mike generously supported Rescue Ranch in Yreka.
Mike is survived by Natalie, his loving wife of 44 years, who misses him dearly. He leaves behind three children, Josh Newton, Nancy Bloom and her husband Paul, and Bridgid Sloyan and her husband Dan Campbell. Mike was an immensely proud grandfather to Ryan and Shaun Newton, Madeline, Ella, and Parker Bloom, and Gavin and Marie Campbell, each of whom brought him great joy. He is also survived by his brother, Albert H. “Hooch” Newton, Jr., and his wife, Dorothy, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Mike treasured his lifelong friendships with Bill Kleaver and Gordon Nixon, carrying with him the many adventures and memories they built together from boyhood onward. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Albert H. Newton, Sr., and Genevieve Claverie Newton, and by his beloved sister, Nancy Newton Meiners.
Family and friends are invited to attend services at 12:00 pm, Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Evergreen Cemetery, Yreka.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Rescue Ranch in Yreka, honoring Mike’s deep love for dogs, or to Madrone Hospice in appreciation of their compassionate care.
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Mike and Hooch were instrumental in welcoming Dave and Ann Herfindahl into the Siskiyou community upon Dave’s medical practice with their father Doc Newton at the Newton Medical Clinic. Many fond memories of those years and the Newton family and friends.