Guy Thornwel Newton, also known as Zuff, “Doc” Guy, passed away in Colorado Springs on January 2, 2021. He was a veterinarian with the Peak to Peak Animal Hospital in Nederland for 23 years. 

Guy was born on December 14, 1955, in Houston, Texas, to mother Clara Newton and father Joseph “Joey” Newton. He graduated from Strake Jesuit High School in Houston in 1974 and from Texas A&M with a degree in veterinary medicine in 1980.

Dr. Newton had his Board Certification in Veterinary Medicine and lived in Nederland for 23 years. In retirement he lived in Estes Park and Florissant, Colorado. He married Leslye Newton in 1986, and the couple had a daughter, Ashley, on November 8, 1987, and a son, Christopher, on January 22, 1991. 

Guy was best friends with Dr. Mike Clements, Nederland resident and Nederland High School graduate. Dr. Clements worked with Dr. Newton at the Peak to Peak Animal Hospital for about 22 years.

Clements bought the practice back in 2017. “Guy was an excellent veterinarian and an even better person,” Clements said. “His clients loved him, and he was my best friend. Our families are close, and we watched each other’s families grow up together and lived very similar lives.”

The beloved veterinarian was also a fly fisherman and avid fly tier, a golfer and interested in football. He loved all things outdoors, spending time with his family and was an amazing home chef, who aspired to write a cookbook. Daughter Ashley plans to use his recipes to write one in his memory. 

Guy was an active member of St Rita’s Catholic Church and served as treasurer and a board member. He is survived by wife Leslye, daughter Ashley, son Christopher, sister Cara “Nina” and brother Joseph.

Community members sent in the following remembrances. 

“It was sad to hear of Guy’s passing.  He was so very kind to our pets! When it was time to say goodbye to my cat Pounce, Guy was so respectful & gentle with her she just laid and purred while he petted her. When we had to say goodbye to our beloved dog Snow he actually came to our house!  She was so happy to see him.  He again loved and calmed her.  She layed on a blanket among the aspens happy as could be and passed in our arms. He was always so respectful to the animals.  Guy was a kind and loving human.” - Janet Turnburke

“My family pets were cared for with compassion from Dr Newton for over 20 years. He will be dearly missed.” -Karin Summers

“After a 20+ year relationship with our vet in Memphis, I never thought I’d find anyone as good when we moved here.  I was wrong - he was better & my fur babies & I loved him.  Such a loss - his kind spirit will be missed.” -Pat Rudstrom 

“Always a smile and gentleness whenever he greeted us at the door.

A caring hand and concern, then a treat or two or more.

Dr Newton was more than a vet,

no matter a trivial visit or terrifying wound in store.

He cared for more than your pet, but the whole soul and more.

He was a one in a million and he’s now greeted with loving animals at heaven’s door.” -Lara Kugel

“Working at Peak to Peak Veterinary Hospital was my favorite workplace ever.  Guy was such a great boss, and one of the most decent human beings I’ve known.  I have many fond memories, but I will share about a bet he and I made once.  A patient came in, not feeling well.  I said what I thought the diagnosis was going to be and he told me what he thought the diagnosis would be.  We bet the other a candy bar.  I am happy to say that after the patient  vomited up some fragrant green plant material I got the candy bar!  He probably made the bet knowing he would be buying me a Hershey chocolate bar.  Lol.  He is missed, but just think about all the furry friends he is hanging out with over that rainbow bridge. 

Thank you Dear Dr. Newton.” -Becky Mills

“I worked for Dr. Newton back in the 90’s. He was my vet and I had my grooming business there.  He was such an extraordinary person. He used so much common sense in his approach to the practice. In his spare time, he would hide away in his office upstairs and tie fishing flies. He loved the animals and his clients...but he didn’t like snakes. He was handed one in a pillow case and when they told him what was inside...I never saw him jump back so quick. I always thought Jeff Foxworthy and him could have been brothers as they looked so much alike.  I moved away before he retired and never saw him again. I have had many vets over the years but he was one of a kind...I’ll never forget Doc Newton! Thank you for all your hard work and compassion.” -Tami Doering

“Doc took such good  care of our fur kids. He was also amazing at taking care of me when I worried about them.” -Annette Croughwell

“Eighteen years ago. Guy stayed all night at his office to save our sick dog, Ashes. Then he taught us how to take care of him, after establishing our dog was diabetic.  Such a wonderful man.” -The Bills family

“He had the kindest soul, and was always compassionate when dealing with my various cats over the years. A true loss.” -Kim Dunham

“Very sad to hear this. He was a true professional. The last time I saw him he said that he was going to spend a lot of time fishing. I hope that he thoroughly enjoyed his retirement.” -Christine Deignan

“My wife and I never had kids, but we raised about a dozen Rottweilers, a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and many cats over the years. When we moved up here in 1985, one of our biggest concerns was finding a veterinarian that we could trust. Guy Newton was that vet. I will never forget how he guided me through the care of a diabetic cat after my wife died. He warned me about how difficult it was to care for a diabetic cat, but with Dr. Guy’s help, Eegor lived a long, happy life. Dr. Guy was one of the truly good people I have known.” -John Carder

Observances took place in Colorado Springs at the Shrine Of Remembrance. Leslye plans to hold a memorial at Saint Rita’s Catholic Church in Nederland in the future. 

Donations can be sent to Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

(Originally published in the January 21, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)