– by Susan Simosko –
Friends & Neighbours is a column about the people who quietly enrich our lives personally and collectively every day. They distinguish themselves by the incredible things they do, whether or not we even notice. It is my pleasure to introduce you to a few of these remarkable people and to share some of their stories.
Newton Hockey is lively, personable and fun. The title of his book, Every Day’s a Weekend, almost sums up his personal philosophy, but it says little about Newton’s other side – his commitment to volunteerism, his dedication to others, and his enthusiasm for causes close to his heart.
It also says nothing about his extraordinary career – first as a professional electrical engineer, then a high-tech marketing specialist, and finally a tour operator! Originally from Wales, Newton lived in Vancouver and Gold River, worked with a number of large firms and won international praise for his innovative and technical expertise. He moved to the Peninsula in 2003.
In mid-career, Newton decided there was more to life than work so he took early retirement and never looked back. “Sometimes,” he tells me, “you need to take risks. It may be a bit scary, but if you don’t try something, you may regret the path not taken. I didn’t want that to be me!”
Thus began a life of travel with his wife Noreen, and a long list of unique volunteer experiences. Between 1996 and 2001 for example, Newton and Noreen made five trips to Honduras, logging more than 25,000 kilometres on their truck. “With Noreen’s experience as a nurse and mine in logistics, we supported different medical brigades, helping some 2,500 patients a week,” Newton says. “Because we had the truck, initially loaded with whatever goods and money we could collect, we also provided transportation. We helped hundreds of people get to and from the hospital over roads that were almost impassable.” Casually Newton adds that he and Noreen also helped to build six houses in Honduras. “The truth is,” Newton smiles, “we enjoyed it all. We met so many fantastic people and truly, it was so, so satisfying.”
Closer to home, Newton has provided leadership to the Sidney Sister Cities Association (www.sidneysistercities.com), the Peninsula Gardening Club (www.peninsulagardenclub.ca) and, with Noreen and golden retriever Tess, was an active member of the Pacific Animal Therapy Society (www.patspets.ca). His current passion however, is with the Peninsula Streams Society (www.peninsulastreams.ca), an organization dedicated to stream and habitat restoration on the Saanich Peninsula. Newton serves as Chair. “Initially I got involved to meet new people, but soon realized how critically important the work of the Society is – not just stream restoration, but also the education and research components. Our program for young people is fantastic,” he adds. “The children are our hope and our future.”
Newton is actively involved in the monthly water quality testing, the results of which enable the Society to provide valuable advice to municipalities, other levels of government, and local organizations to increase understanding, advocate for resources, and work to preserve the flora and fauna in our creeks and watersheds. “I’m a person who enjoys getting dirty,” Newton tells me, “and when I see that getting dirty also makes a huge difference, that’s truly rewarding!
Newton says that volunteering is a way of life. “I love helping people and seeing results. What better way to live your life?” Newton says he’s convinced that “the more you give, the more you receive. That’s just how it works.” He urges people to get involved. “There are so many opportunities,” he says. “Everyone needs to find and contribute to what fires them up!”
