"The oldest of four children, he was nicknamed “Boots” when he was only four years old. O’Neil’s Aunt Guyrah Newkirk, a well-known artist living in New York and Arizona at the time, had sent him a pair of cowboy boots that truly caught his fancy. Although they were much too big, he put them on his feet, clomped around the house mightily, and rarely took those boots off."

What a sad loss. Boots was such a great educator because he infused his life experiences with history. He loved his tall glass of cold milk with whatever dessert his wife was making. He would say, "Yea, I gotta stop by the store after school to get a gallon of milk". He had a keen knack of knowing how to motivate and encourage you to pursue your dreams. Condolences to the Newkirk family, Boots was an incredible man who influenced many students in a positive way. I'm sure he will be making God laugh right away.

As good of a teacher as he was, he was even a better grandpa. I've never known a man who loved the Lord more, was convinced that you must do what is right, and firmly stood on his beliefs even when no one else would. He gave the best hugs, told the best stories, and made each and everyone of us in his family feel special. I was never scared of him, but I never wanted to disappoint him. He was truly one of a kind. And because of him, my children (his great grand children) know the words: Duesenberg and Bronko Nagurski. We will always love him and miss him.