Wilfred & Ophir Wheeler - part of NZ cinema history
Wilfred Wheeler was the only son of Edith Wheeler, born in Ponsonby Auckland in 1894. There is no father's name recorded on his birth certificate and he was never formally identified in the family. However Wilfred was raised as an "adopted" son by Edith's sister Lottie and he husband Jim Mills, with support from the extended family at various times.
Wilfred established a very successful career as a businessman and cinema owner, launched into business through his Aunt Gertrude (another one of Edith and Lottie's sisters) in Gisborne.
At one time Wilfred had a chain of regional theatres along the East Coast of the North Island.
Wilfred married Rita Louise Smith, who died early in the marriage. He then married Rita's sister Ophir Emily Smith and they shared a long and happy union, living out their later years on Waiheke Island where Wilfred was a keen yachtsman.
Wilfred did not have any children.
Wilfred's dates: Born 30 Dec, 1894, Ponsonby Auckland,
Died 1960, Waiheke Island, Auckland.
Wilfred established a very successful career as a businessman and cinema owner, launched into business through his Aunt Gertrude (another one of Edith and Lottie's sisters) in Gisborne.
At one time Wilfred had a chain of regional theatres along the East Coast of the North Island.
Wilfred married Rita Louise Smith, who died early in the marriage. He then married Rita's sister Ophir Emily Smith and they shared a long and happy union, living out their later years on Waiheke Island where Wilfred was a keen yachtsman.
Wilfred did not have any children.
Wilfred's dates: Born 30 Dec, 1894, Ponsonby Auckland,
Died 1960, Waiheke Island, Auckland.