January 3, 1942 – March 31, 2025
Erle passed away peacefully with family by his side.
He was a 38-year member of the Royal Canadian Legion in Bruce Mines and had been one of the oldest living members of the branch when he passed. Erle was born at home in Galt, ON now known as Cambridge where he grew up with his two older sisters. He joined the OPP in 1963 and was first stationed in Port Arthur, now Thunder Bay. The next move was to Upsala. Erle met his first love Glenda also from Cambridge and they were married on Sept. 28, 1967. He was then stationed in Armstrong where he moved with his new wife. Bradley and Jackie were both born at the Sioux Lookout hospital while they lived in Armstrong, Erle then transferred to Manitouwadge, ON. Next was the Thessalon detachment where the family lived at the detachment house prior to buying a home in Bruce Mines where he lived up until earlier this year when he moved with his partner Ruby to an apartment in Thessalon. Erle was well known for his fair and respectful treatment of all those he encountered in his line of work. He was on the Search and Rescue Team and was well known amongst his colleagues for his expertise with his compass and knowledge of the local area. One time at an event at the arena a family had come up to Erle to thank him for finding their child that was lost in the woods. He truly was a hero but the humblest kind. His grandson recently described him as tough as nails.
Prior to retirement Erle chose to take a position with the Sault Ste Marie OPP in the radio room. He was quite proud to be able to say that he was retired longer than he had worked, Erle was an avid outdoorsman, fishing and hunting were his go to and the main reason he chose to stay in Northern Ontario. The stories from the many fishing/hunting trips with his buds are still popular topics of discussion. In fact, the most conversation you got from Erle was about fishing or hunting or the celebrations afterwards.
Erle spent many years as a caregiver to Glenda until she passed in 2010. He then connected with a family friend Ruby Cullen, and they have spent the last few years together. Ruby has been a lifeline for Erle and dedicated herself to looking after him.
Erle is survived by his children Bradley Newstead and Jackie Newstead (Allen), grandson Keely Newstead, Partner Ruby Cullen and sons Cecil MacDuff (Joanne), John MacDuff (Julie), Sister-in-law Jean Baird, Nieces and Nephews Christine Snow (Sue), Craig Fetterly (Linda), Rhonda Fetterly, Michelle Schnarr (Dwayne), Jason Baird (Sylvia), Jeremy Baird (Melissa) and many great nieces and nephews. Erle was predeceased by his wife Glenda Newstead, his parents Elvin (Slim) and Dorothy Newstead, sisters Betty Snow (Hubert), Peggy Fetterly (Ron), and his brother-in-law James Baird.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 211 or the NSHN Foundation–Thessalon would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Beggs Funeral Home.