Cay Arlis Newhouse Jr.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, Cay Arlis Newhouse, Jr., passed away peacefully at home at the age of 95. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, he lived a life defined by integrity, service, and a deep love for family. Cay is survived by his wife of 54 years, Young Ae Kim. Together, they wove a beautiful life, one marked by devotion, humor, and a deep affection. He is also survived by his daughters, Barbra Newhouse and Carol Campbell; his son-in-law, Darren Campbell; and his grandchildren, who brought him endless pride: Vaughn, Vivian, and Gwyneth (children of Carol and Darren), and Elijah and Luke (children of Barbra). Born in Detroit and raised in Royal Oak during the Great Depression, Cay’s earliest memories were of hunger, soup lines, and families making heartbreaking sacrifices to survive. He never forgot the neighbor’s dog — lively one day, gone the next. Nor did he forget the Christmas when a single orange had to be shared between two children. These moments shaped him profoundly, instilling a lifelong gratitude for every comfort he later earned. That early hardship shaped his deep respect for the freedoms protected by American soldiers. Cay never took those freedoms lightly; he believed every right we have was earned through courage, sacrifice, and lives laid down. He often reminded us that “freedom is not free,” and he wanted us to honor that truth in the way we live. Cay earned his Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1957, serving 45 months of active duty. His legal and military career was marked by distinction, highlighted by his admission to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1959. After 37 years serving at the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM), as an Acquisition, Disputes, and Appeals Attorney, Cay retired having earned the Army Meritorious Civilian Service Medal, one of the highest civilian awards given by the U.S. Army. He was a champion for those without a voice. He fought for wounded veterans who had been denied the medical discharge and compensation they were rightfully owed, offering pro‑bono support to help them receive the care and recognition they deserved. Together with Young Ae, he also stood beside many South Korean immigrants who faced difficult legal challenges — from workplace injuries to robberies, immigration issues, and family matters. He guided them through an intimidating system with patience, protection, and a deep sense of justice. Cay cherished being a father. Weekends were full of adventures like speed‑boating at Selfridge, fishing and hiking up north, bike rides, bowling, horseback riding, tennis, trips to the pet store, visiting metro parks, and vacations at Silver Lake Sand Dunes. What defined him most, though, was his unwavering presence. He always showed genuine enthusiasm for whatever his girls were interested in, learning about their passions so he could support them and help them grow. That wasn’t unusual for him, it was simply who he was. Retirement brought Cay new passions and continued achievement. He became a published poet and a competitive horseshoe player, earning 4th place in the World Horseshoe Championship (1999 Elder’s Division). Up until his passing, he managed and cherished his favorite place on earth, his 350-acre tree farm. At home, he was often at his desk reading or writing, or down in his workshop creating wooden “functional art” like walking canes, birdhouses, prayer benches, coffee tables, and wooden crosses. Cay believed that a meaningful life comes not from reaching a final destination, but from appreciating the journey itself: the small steps, the unexpected turns, and the people who walk beside us. Cay believed in these two powerful truths: “Enjoy what you have and not what you don’t have." “What brings the most enjoyment out of life is happiness at home.” Additional “Cay-isms” he often shared: “Never be afraid to invent or create.” “Obey the law and the same shall have no power over you.” “Once a job has once begun, never quit until it’s done, be it large or be it small, do it well or not at all.” “He had the right of way, but they buried him yesterday.” “If you want it bad, you’ll get it bad, and the worse you want it, the worse you’ll get it.” “Do you know your N.A.W.A.N.?” (Net Asset Wealth Accumulation Number) “Fix it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without; but whatever you do, NEVER buy it new.” “Do the right thing, because the right thing to do is the right thing to do.” “You can have anything, but you can’t have everything.” “It’s not the event, it’s your reaction to the event.” “Death is a part of life that we’re least prepared for.” We miss you. Thank you for the life you shared and the example you set. Until we meet again, we carry your love with us, trusting you now rest in the arms of Jesus. Cay will be laid to rest privately in Holly, MI at Great Lakes National Cemetery with well deserved US Army honors. Even though Cay has left your sight, his family would be grateful for any messages or memory you feel moved to share whenever he comes to mind.

Cay Arlis Newhouse Jr.

July 14, 1930 - February 17, 2026