Sorrow at loss of Bunbury icon

Bunbury lost one of its favourite sons this week when sporting and business icon Newton Roberts died on Tuesday.

Mr Roberts was born in 1925 in Bunbury, owned and managed he main department store in town for many years,and was a war veteran who dedicated countless volunteer hours to charities and service groups.

He was also first mate of Black Swan, a support boat for the Australia II yacht which won the coveted America’s Cup in 1983 — one of the greatest sporting momentsin Australia’s history.

Bunbury MLA John Castrilli expressed his sadness, describing Mr Roberts as a Bunbury pioneer who left a lasting legacy within the city and State he loved so dearly.

"Newton had an inspirational and irrepressible passion for our community and his passing signals the end of an era for Bunbury," Mr Castrilli said.

SOUTH WESTERN TIMES