South African ornithologist Ken Newman dies

Source: SW Radio Africa

Date: 3 November 2006

Author: Anon

Ken Newman, the author and painter who sold a million books on the birds of Southern Africa, has died in Johannesburg at the age of 82.

Newman had been ill for some time and died on Monday at his home in Craighall Park.

Along with the Roberts field guide, Newman's Birds of Southern Africa became a bible for countless birders throughout the region.

The first edition of Newman's was published in 1983 and was reprinted and updated several times.

In a tribute yesterday, Birdlife South Africa said Newman had played a pivotal role in popularising bird-watching in South Africa through the publication of his numerous books which had sold about a million copies.

"His ability to capture the jizz of a bird in his illustrations have made
his field guides an essential companion for so many birders. His abilities
extended to painting and lecturing and his commitment to ornithology and conservation was reflected through his presidency of the SA Ornithological Society and Birdlife South Africa."

He was still serving as president of Birdlife's Sandton branch when he died.

He was also the first non-scientist recipient of the prestigious Gill Memorial Medal and in May this year his life-long contributions to birding and conservation were recognised when he received the Birdlife SA "Owl Award".

"His contribution to birding will live on especially through his field guide, and one can expect to hear "Don't forget your Newman's" for many years to come."

Friend and colleague Malcolm Drummond said: "He was quite quiet, but a real gentleman. He was a gentle, splendid person."

He leaves two daughters, Vanessa and Pamela, and a son, Nicholas. Both his wives, Elizabeth and Ursula, died of cancer.

Funeral arrangements have not been finalised but a service is planned provisionally for Friday.