- Ernest and Raey Wheeler and their two sons
Ernest Arthur Norreys Wheeler was the fifth child born to Harry and Gwen Wheeler.
In his early twenties, “Uncle Earn” served in World War ll, in the NZ Army in North Africa, along with his elder brother, Goldie.
Coming back to New Zealand, he settled in Gisborne. Alongside his Wheeler cousin Wilfred, they acquired country cinemas in the area from the Kerridge family. It was through his involvement in the theatre industry that he met his future wife Raey, who later became the owner and manager of the Gisborne Odeon Cinema and apartments and briefly mayor of Gisborne.
Uncle Earn was a gentle, quiet, good looking and devoted family man who was the first of his beloved siblings to suddenly pass away at the age of 58. Family members say he was his Mother’s favourite child with his tall stature and very good looks.
Ernie's dates: Born 1 July, 1917, Pukekohe
Died 3 May, 1975, Gisborne.
In his early twenties, “Uncle Earn” served in World War ll, in the NZ Army in North Africa, along with his elder brother, Goldie.
Coming back to New Zealand, he settled in Gisborne. Alongside his Wheeler cousin Wilfred, they acquired country cinemas in the area from the Kerridge family. It was through his involvement in the theatre industry that he met his future wife Raey, who later became the owner and manager of the Gisborne Odeon Cinema and apartments and briefly mayor of Gisborne.
Uncle Earn was a gentle, quiet, good looking and devoted family man who was the first of his beloved siblings to suddenly pass away at the age of 58. Family members say he was his Mother’s favourite child with his tall stature and very good looks.
Ernie's dates: Born 1 July, 1917, Pukekohe
Died 3 May, 1975, Gisborne.