Bernard B. Newland

Bernard Buel Newland entered the world on July 17, 1931, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, born to Mabel Clare and Guy Delbert Newland and joining his ‘much older’ sister, Audrey May.

On April 7, 2026, he left this earthly life and flew into the arms of Jesus, where he was surely welcomed with the words ‘well done good and faithful servant.’

Left here to carry on his legacy of love, strength, generosity, perseverance and humor are his loving wife of nearly 75 years, Donna; his daughters and sons-in-law, Bernadine and Rick Woods, and Connie and Paul Fournier; his four adoring grandchildren and their spouses, Cindy and Dave Durgan, Becky and Steve Miller, Angie and Ben Wolff, and Matthew and Abby Fournier; and his eight great grandchildren, Bella, Liam and Mia Durgan; Lexie and Addie Miller; Avery Wolff; and Winnie and Clara Fournier.

In his 94 years he accomplished much. He graduated from Cheyenne High in 1949. He worked from an early age, holding down a paper route and establishing a strong work ethic and business acumen that allowed him to establish B & B Appliance in 1968 with his long-time friend and partner Elwood ‘Butch’ Gettman. While building and growing a successful business, he served the community in many ways, including serving on the City Council from 1975-1978, during the construction of the Civic Center; the Board of Public Utilities from 1982-1989, during the construction of the Stage Two Water Project; and the Board of Directors of the First National Bank from 1984-1991. He also served ten years in the United States Naval Reserves, becoming a certified instructor in refrigeration and other topics.

Mr. Newland was a man of great faith and was a very active member of Faith United Methodist Church since 1943. He was a member of Frontier Lions Club since 1973, where he held numerous positions up to Deputy District Governor. He found great joy in music and in 1959 began singing with the Wyomingaires Barbershop Chorus, and then three popular quartets - The Shy-Guys, The Equality Statesmen and the King’s Men. He always had an original poem or silly song ready for any occasion.

He seized every opportunity to travel the world, and after his retirement in 1991 he relished spending winters in Maui and continuing to spend summers at the mountain cabin he built and loved with his whole heart. When he wasn’t busy beautifying his mountain property, he spent many hours there hiking, fishing and enjoying the great outdoors, where he wanted to be more than anywhere.

His hands were never idle and his many projects ranged from large construction to doll houses, woodworking to model railroading, cross-stitch to scrapbooking. In recent years he and Donna completed hundreds of jigsaw puzzles. He had a thirst for knowledge and was an avid reader. He was well-known for the practical jokes he played on his close friends. He always loved the little ones and they loved him.

Throughout his life he found the silver lining in everything and was a blessing to everyone he met. He will be missed beyond measure by his family and the many friends whose lives he touched. Donna, and those that lovingly survive him, are confident that he is free of pain and praising his Lord at the foot of the Throne with many dear ones who met him there.

Although Bernie’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of love and compassion in all that we do.

Bernie’s life will be celebrated on Saturday April 18 at 9:30 am at Wiederspahn Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes, followed by a graveside service at Beth El Cemetery and a reception at the Gathering Place.

Contributions in his memory may be sent to Faith United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 522 E 6th Street, Cheyenne, WY 82007, or a charity of your choice.