Newton Berrier Stafford

Newton Berrier Stafford passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, at the age of 101. Born on December 19, 1923, in Springfield, Missouri, Newton moved with his family to Escondido, California in 1930. Growing up during the Great Depression, he worked alongside his father in the family’s auto dealership and watched his mother provide meals and jobs for neighbors in need—early lessons that shaped his life.

Newton’s life was marked by service, intellect, adventure, and enterprise. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, stationed on the remote Palmyra Atoll in the Pacific, where he supported Search and Sea Rescue operations. It was there he first encountered the thrill of aviation, an interest that would become a lifelong passion.

After the war, Newton pursued his education with vigor, earning a bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Southern California, a master's in Chemistry from Arizona State University, and ultimately a Ph.D. in Leadership and Human Behavior from the United States International University. He shared his love of science as a high school science teacher in Indio, Oceanside, Vista, and Carlsbad, California, inspiring countless students.

Along with his teaching career, Newton was an entrepreneur, owning an auto parts store in addition to other residential and commercial real estate properties. He also found joy in farming, tending to groves of avocados and lemons.

Newton married three times over the course of his life. He brought years of adventure and pursuit of curiosity to the 5 children he helped raise, which has continued to pass down to his 14 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

He will be remembered for his love of adventure, his passion for science and learning, his artistic spirit, and his deep appreciation for travel, flying, and fishing in Baja.