RIP: Kay Newman

A marathon of influence.

It’s safe to say that when we pass, we hope to leave some kind of legacy, big or small. Through her loyalty, goodwill, and zeal, that’s exactly what Kay Newman did—especially within the Bozeman running community.

Kay planted her roots here in Bozeman in 1964, worked at MSU, volunteered for the Bridger Bowl and Big Sky ski patrols, and was an original member of the local running club, the Big Sky Wind Drinkers. She was among the few, alongside Mr. Anacker, to scout the Ed Anacker Ridge Run, as well as the John Colter Run.

“She was one of the original people that tried to create the route in the early 1980s,” says David Summerfield, former director of the Ridge Run. “One day, Kay and Ed, along with some others, wanted to start from Flathead Pass and go to the M. But there was no trail—and the group didn’t realize the seriousness of the course. Ed’s wife, Stella, noticed they weren’t back yet that evening and went up to Fairy Lake and began hiking up with a flashlight. She found them all coming down on their hands and knees, with one flashlight about to run out of battery.”

Kay made clear her commitment to the running community and went above and beyond whenever she could.

Kay was of small stature, but was also “of strong-will and had a hardy soul,” according to Summerfield. “She had more energy than anyone I have ever met. She loved the running community and did everything for them that she could.”

When it came to race prep, Kay attended every meeting, helped organize tables and chairs, went to buy the food, and managed to notice and secure forgotten porta-potties for one race a few years back. She even stored the 47 water jugs used to haul water for the Ridge Run in her basement at home. “I’ve run the Ridge 17 times, and Kay was always at the finish line,” says Darryl Baker, co-director of the fabled mountain race, as well as of the John Colter Run. “She will certainly leave a void in our hearts in this community.”

In the familial-type community of Bozeman runners, Kay’s loss is a significant one, but also serves as inspiration to build on what she has already created.

Kay made clear her commitment to the running community and went above and beyond whenever she could. “I came to Bozeman in 1993, and first did the Ridge Run in 1994,” reminisces Summerfield. “That’s when I first met Kay. She was there, handing out food, drinks, and t-shirts. I got involved with the Big Sky Wind Drinkers weekly fun runs on Wednesdays, too. For the 25 years I did it, Kay was at every single one.”

Other members of the running community are quick to echo the sentiment as well. “Kay was dependable, extremely strong, and intelligent,” remembers Boz Boswell, another co-director of the Ridge Run. In the familial-type community of Bozeman runners, Kay’s loss is a significant one, but also serves as inspiration to build on what she has already created.

It’s up to us to uphold her legacy of hard work, dedication, and community. Here’s to Kay.