John Richard (Jack) Eatwell

Born: 23 Jun 1926
Married:  1947, Wellington
Died: 2008 ( aged 82), Auckland
Cremated

Jack was born in 1926, the youngest and only son of Bert Eatwell and Lillian ( nee Wilson ).

He attended Massey University and Flock House Agricultural College.

Jack married Gloria Glynne Heald in 1947. They moved to Rotorua where they started to develop the Taniwha Springs facility near Ngongotaha.

Later, they moved to the Hawkes Bay where Jack worked as a Farm Manager.  They then moved on to their own farm in Kimbolton.

They had four children, Richard Gray William (1949), Juliet Mae (1952), John Herbert (1953), and Suzanne Gloria (1957).

Ill health forced the family to move to Palmerston North.

In ~1992 Jack and Gloria moved to the Bay of Plenty to be close to daughters Juliet and Suzanne, who had moved there. They lived in Matua.

Gloria passed away in 2000.

Jack died on the 21st December 2008 in Auckland.

Music

Music was a big part of Jack's life, and he played the piano in dance bands, and in a jazz style that was very popular over the years. Julie has continued the family tradition inheriting the musical talent, and still has his original upright piano. Julie's daughter Katie is also musical, and  plays Jack's electronic piano. Jack's great granddaughter Georgia is already making waves in the musical world as a singer.

In the 1990's Jack recorded a number of his pieces on his electronic piano. This was engineered into two CD's by Julie's husband Gary. These are provided free of charge to family members.

Jack playing Aunty Florrie's piano at the Seven Oaks Resthome

Jack & Gloria's Wedding - 1947

Jack & Gloria at Taniwha Springs

Jack Eatwell & Family

(back) Gloria, Jack, Gray

(front) Suzie, Julie & John

This photo was taken at Jack's 81st birthday party, surrounded by three generations of his offsprint. Shown are grand daughter Kate in the back, with great grand daughters Georgia & Zoe in front. The blue arm is daughter Julie.