Harold L. Newman

Harold L. Newman, 80, Jamestown, ND, died Thursday, February 20, 2014 at his home in Jamestown.

Harold was born August 28, 1933 in Mayville, ND, the son of Albert and Bertha (Gidskemo) Newman. He grew up, attended elementary school and graduated from high school in Mayville. He went to Mayville State College for two years and continued his last two years at Moorhead State University, graduating in 1956. On May 31, 1953 Harold married Mary Harwood in Moorhead.

Upon Harold's graduation from college the family moved to Jamestown and Harold started Newman Signs. His small sign painting business grew into a nationwide business, that today employs approximately 200 people. Newman Signs is best known for its billboards but they also make, sell and distribute traffic signs, offer large format printing, and have urban construction and fencing divisions. Harold was proud of and very thankful to his many longtime employees who helped him build his business.

He was also instrumental in securing and building the World's Largest Buffalo, getting public support for building the Jamestown Civic Center, securing the naming rights to Newman Outdoor Stadium in Fargo, ND and bringing the Spiritwood Energy Park Association to Stutsman County.

Harold was a long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church. His community service was extensive and included: volunteer fireman, Jamestown Industrial Development Board, President of the Jamestown City Council, Director of Northwest Bank for 1967-1989, AGRI-Bank board, Chairman of the Judicial nominating committee of ND, President of the ND Travel Association from 1966-1967, Jimmie Booster Club, as well as serving on numerous statewide boards. He was Jamestown's 1997 Outstanding Citizen, ND Small Businessman of the Year, received the Greater North Dakota Award in 1999, Honorary Doctorate from NDSU in 2007, 2009 JSDC Presidents Award, LB Hartz Professional Achievement Award and 2007 Pioneer Award from the ND Ethanol Producers Association.

Harold is survived by his wife, Mary, Fargo; five children, Russell (Audrey) Newman, Fargo, ND, Kari (Leo) Ness, Jamestown, Nancy (Scott) Erickson, Fargo, Ruth (Sheldon) Tang, Excelsior, MN and Cheryl (Brent) Olson, Fargo; 21 grandchildren, Kyle (Tara) Newman, Matthew (Lisa) Newman, Rachel (Chris) Ebeling, Amy (Brandon) Carlson, Ty (Sacha) Newman, Jake Newman, Russell "Boomer" Newman II, William Wadsworth, Mary (Blake) Nybakken, Nancy Ness (Joe Parmer), Leo Kristian Ness, Clara Erickson, AJ (Natalie) Erickson, Elizabeth Erickson, Nils, Leif, Kai and Maiken Tang, Ruth, Charlie and Grace Olson; 17 great-grandchildren; four siblings, Donald (Ardy) Newman, Mayville, James (Margery) Newman, Sun City West, AZ, Mae Howe, Grand Rapids, MN and Bea (Stuart) Neset, Mayville; special cousin, Sue DuBois, Fargo and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.