On Thursday, August 20,2020 Newell Gavin Philbrick passed away at the age of 87 at his home in Miles City, Montana. He was born in Forsyth, Montana on November 19, 1932 to Dale Philbrick and Rita (Robertson) Philbrick. He never left Rosebud Creek until he turned 80 and moved to Miles City. Newell was very proud of his connection to the Rosebud community, graduating from high school in 1952. He never lost touch with any of his graduating class and loved all the school reunions.
Newell went to California for 2 years with Eric Erickson and got a Diesel Mechanic degree. He was then drafted into the Army for 2 years and was stationed outside of Las Vegas. If you know Newell you have heard his stories about testing the A Bomb. In 1959 he married Diane (Greenwood) Philbrick and lived on the ranch up Rosebud Creek and raised3 daughters. Rochelle Pulver, Denise (Ernie) Brewer and Kristi (Bill Gross) Dayle. After Diane’s death he married Andre (Gulvas) Philbrick and gained 4 daughters. Roban (Martin) Bunting, Rita Torstel, Chelle (Scot) Wahlert and Becky Compher. He enjoyed 5 years with Janie Hedges in Miles City.
Newell enjoyed being on the Rosebud school board and the Rosebud County Fair Board for many years. He loved to laugh and tell a good story. He always wanted to be the life of the party and if he couldn’t be that he was just as happy bossing someone around.
Newell was preceded in death by his parents, both wives and his special cousin Betty Clark. He was survived by 7 daughters, 30 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren.
There will be a celebration of life on a later date.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Carol Bailey says
I just heard. I am so sorry for his family and friends.
Joan leinwand says
Sending my condolences.
Marlus says
Newell was a joy to take care of. He always had a smile and a good joke to tell. I will miss seeing him and hearing his stories.
Dave Hartman says
Philbrick girls, sorry to hear the news about your Dad.
Dave Hartman
Kevin Robertson says
They broke the mold after Newell was born. He was one of a kind!! I will truly miss him.
MARTHA CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Bill and Joby Parker says
Dear Rochell, Denise, Kristie and families. I’m sorry to hear of Newell’s passing. He was a very special person who will be missed by many. What a wonderful smile and friendly person he was to all who knew him. Bill and I always enjoyed seeing him at church in Miles City. He was always so happy. May all your good memories help with his passing!❤
B Dean Holmes says
one of Rosebud Counties greatest story teller will be missed. to all family members condolences .
Kay Davis Berdahl says
Chelly, Denise and Kristi and families and Jayne,
Deepest sympathy to all!
Diane Welbes says
I wish I had words to lighten your agony–but sometimes words are just not enough. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers, We had the best time on skip day when we took the seniors and I will cherish that always.
Donaleen Batey Rogers says
When I think of your dad I see his smile
and hear his laughter! My dad and mom
always had good stories about their times together with your folks. May you be comforted by your memories. Blessings to you and yours.
Nan Quinlan says
To Newell’s family’,
Larry and I would like to send our condolences.
He was always so kind to me and my family. I’m sure he will be missed. Prayers
Maryjo Barnard says
I always enjoyed our talks. Just a great gentleman.
Rita and Dale Watson says
We feel so sorry for you loss!
Dee Batey says
A lifetime of memories. RIP my old friend.
Tom and Shirley Skinner says
We were so sorry to hear of Newell’s passing. Prayers and condolences to his family.
Shelly Batey says
Chelle ,Denise and Kristie – I am so sorry for your loss. He was a character for sure. We are thinking of your entire family at this time!
Lori Nelson says
My thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. I remember his laugh well.
Diane & Dave Wyrick says
Sincere condolences. We always enjoyed a good visit with Newell. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jana Mueller says
Chelly and family, I’m sorry for your loss. I pray you feel God’s loving arms around you as you grieve the loss of your Dad.
jerry mickell says
Chelly, Denise, and Kristi:
we are so sorry to hear about your dad. I always loved his laugh and hearing his stories. We will miss him.
Jerry & barb mickell
Jack, Kris, Carolee and Kinsee Crocker says
To the whole Philbrick family: So sorry for your loss, Newell was a great man to be around, always so friendly. We have lots of memories of him, his wife’s and Janie that we will cherish forever. Sending prayers and hugs to each one of you.
Connie Brown says
Prayers to Newells family, he always had a smile and a story that brought a lifetime of memories for all.
Cindy Lebie says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Newell definitely was one of a kind.
Julie (LaBree) says
Chelle, Denise, and Kristi,
Just know I am thinking of you and your families. Let’s hope your Mom and Dad are reunited and dancing up a storm. I have such great memories of your Dad and you girls. (yes Kristi-I forgot all the yelling!)
I hope you were able to tell him goodbye. Prayers that the good memories you have deep in your heart last forever.
Sharon Wetsch says
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Hugs and prayers..
Darlene (Eberhardt) Sanderson says
I have a memory to share. Newell and l were confirmed together at the Forsyth Concordia Lutheran Church in the 1950’s. There were just 2 of us in the confirmation class
that year. It was customary to answer questions in front of the whole congregation upon completion of our studies. And of course we were a tad bit nervous too. After
our question and answer time,
we were able to join the congregation for our 1st communion. It was during that time that we got the giggles. HOPEFULLY nobody noticed.
Rick and Dee Abbott says
Roban and family: We were deeply saddened to learn of Newell’s passing. Each of you have our sincerest condolences. We will always fondly remember Newell’s story-telling, possibly topped only by Will’s stories, his great smile and infectious laugh. May God give you comfort, peace and solace as you grieve for Newell.
Diana says
Sending my condolences to Chelly, Denise, and Kristi,, remember all the great memories together.
David Lloyd says
Dave and Donna Lloyd
Always enjoyed seeing Newell and our visits. Yes, he could tell a good story worth listening to. Condolences to the family.
Flint Fleming says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Philbrick family, many good days around Newell, a good friend and fine gentleman.
Sally Selle says
So sorry Janie for your loss, Newell was a friend of our family, lots of memories of his stories when he’d call the house! Great guy who I’m sure you will miss! Hugs to you!
Clark Fletcher says
So sorry to hear of Newell’s passing! Always enjoyed him and great stories! Condolences to all!
Penny (Mees) Johnson says
Rosebud reunions won’t be the same without Newell, neither will the space that would have surrounded him if he was still with us.
Nicole Tetschner says
My condolences to Newell’s family, I’m happy I had the time I did working with Newell, he always had a way to make me laugh, even on my bad days, I’m gonna miss him so much he always called me his “friend girl” and told me if he was 30 years younger I’d be his “girl friend”, I imagine him up there dancing with Andre drinking a tottie with his buddies!!!
Joe and Loy Martens says
Chelly, Denise, Kristi and families.
We’re so sorry for your loss. We will remember you Dad’s smile and laugh. Keep good memories close to your heart.
Roy & Arlene Pabolo says
Our deepest sympathy to Jayne and Newell’s family. He made me come to help with the Rosebud Reunions and I actually enjoyed it. He was a great friend. RIP.
Mary Roig says
My mom is Ellen WallinSmith.I’m so sorry for your loss my mom just found out. God be with your family.
Mary Smith Roig. Daughter of Ellen
Eric Lehti says
My condolences to Newell’s family. His Rosebud school board work for many of the years I attended school (1970 graduation) was important to me as a student and to others. His volunteer activities with the Rosebud school reunions aided so much.
Lana Hoff says
Recent updates obituaries
Vera McCurley says
Dear girls….I can’t imagine him gone….so I’ll keep every memory of all those years close to my heart. I just decided to check on him last night so I’m way late in condolences…..but he was one of my best buddies for 85 years….( he was 2 years older than me😊). Love to you all.