Former Goodyear spokesman Newkirk dies

HUDSON, Ohio (May 23)—Former Goodyear spokesman William L. Newkirk, 78, who served in public relations for the company for 20 years, died May 21 in Cleveland. Newkirk was named vice president of public relations in January 1980, and became vice president of public affairs in August 1988, taking on expanded responsibilities in governmental affairs. He retired in 1989. A former newspaper and wire service reporter, he held several public relations titles for the company after joining its news bureau in 1959, including manager of public relations in the Midwest, and director of corporate public relations. Born in Cleveland in 1924, Newkirk served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and graduated from Bowling Green State University in Ohio in 1947. He lived in Hudson, outside Akron, and is survived by his wife and two daughters.