John Spearman d’Hauteville Birkby
Died on October 6 1966 at a private hospital, most beloved husband of Elsie of 20 Jutland Rd Takapuna and devoted father of Denise (Mrs Longstaff, Rotorua) Gladys (Mrs Walker Birkdale) and Joy; aged 79 years. Service will be held at Watney Siburns Sons chapel Newmarket at 11:30am tomorrow (Saturday) the funeral then leaving for Purewa Lawn Cemetary.
On October 6 1966 deraly beloved father of Denise, loving pa of [name removed], [name removed] and [name removed] and loving great-grandpa of [name removed].
A teacher at the Whaka Maori school for many years and the secretary of the Rotorua Red Cross during World War II has died in an Auckland hospital.
Mr John Spearman d’Hauteville Birkby lived in Rotorua for about 25 years. He retired from the teaching profession 15 years ago. After living five years in retirement in Rotorua, Mr Birkby and his wife moved to Takapuna.
Mr Birkby was born in the Channel Islands 79 years ago and was educated there.
At the start of World War I he joined the Cheshire Regiment but was transferred to the NZ Rifle Brigade in France where he was later commissioned to the rank of adjutant lieutenant.
In 1916 he married and a year later came to New Zealand, settling first in Wellington.
Mr Birkby was a keen soccer player as well as taking an active interest in cricket. He was a member of the Rotorua Cricket Association.
Mr Birkby is survived by his wife Elsie, three daughters Mrs D Longstaff, Rotorua, Mrs G Walker, Auckland, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Public - Mark - Other Relative - 25 April 2015 - Private materials