Henry “Diz” Newman celebrated his 100th birthday on June 3, 2024 and passed a few days later. He was born on June 3, 1924 in Saint Louis, Missouri. He grew up in Newman, California with his parents Louis and Loraine. He attended Menlo School in Atherton, California, where he learned to fly by working for lessons at a local airport while in high school. He enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in 1943 when he turned 18. He was trained as a B-17 pilot and then posted to England in early 1945. He flew missions over Germany until he was shot down. He was captured and remained a prisoner of war until he was liberated. After leaving active duty, he continued as a reserve officer in the Air Force until he retired as a lieutenant colonel.

He met Eleanor “Tiny” Johnston on a visit to Carmel during high school and never forgot her. They were married in 1945 shortly after he returned from Europe. She remained the love of his life and wonderful companion until she died in 2009. They had two children, Michael and Randy, and they remained life-long residents of Carmel.

Diz worked as an executive pilot for several years before becoming involved in the construction industry. He became a general contractor in 1970 and worked with Randy building and remodeling properties around the Peninsula until he retired. Whether at work or engaging the community, Diz was a presence who made an impression.

He was a superb pilot and loved to do aerobatics in a fighter trainer. He continued to “punch holes in the sky” until age 80 when he was told by the Navy Flight Club that he could no longer fly alone under their insurance coverage. He was an expert on the history of the 8th Air Force and the B-17 bombers that he flew in World War II. He gave many presentations on the air war in Europe and his personal experiences as a pilot and prisoner of war. His descriptions were so clear that the audience could feel some of the intensity and terror of the air war over Europe.

He learned to hunt growing up in the Central Valley and continued throughout his life. He became a world class skeet and trap shooter. He competed at the highest levels around the world. When he could no longer fly airplanes, he dedicated himself to shotgun competition and mentoring others at the Carmel Valley Gun Club.

The family gathered for Diz’s 100th birthday in early June. He was present and enjoyed being with everyone. He passed soon after with the style that he brought to his flawless landings.

He was predeceased by his loving wife Tiny and beloved niece Mollie. He is survived by his sons, Michael and Randy, grandchildren Lisa MacDonald, Mickey Newman, Robbie Newman (Tiffany) and Taylor Newman (William), great- grandchildren Jake Pott (Kaleena), Justin MacDonald, Kaiya Newman, Mila Newman, Blake Armstrong and Tatum Armstrong, and great-great-grandson Lucka.

The family plans a graveside service and a celebration of Diz’s life at a later date.

“Here’s to absent friends and fallen comrades.”