John Gilby Explained

John Gilby
Birth Name:Charles Frederick John Gilby
Birth Date:13 December 1900
Height:6feet[1]
Weight:175lb
Country:New Zealand
Sport:Rowing
Club:Canterbury Rowing Club
Show-Medals:yes

Charles Frederick John Gilby (13 December 1900  - 8 June 1985) was a New Zealand rower who competed at the 1930 British Empire Games.

Early life and family

Born on 13 December 1900, Gilby was the son of Charles Horace Gilby, who was principal of Christchurch Commercial College, and his second wife, Gertrude Hilda Gilby (née Johnston).[2] He was educated at Christ's College from 1911 to 1917, and went on to work initially as a mechanical engineer at the Christchurh firm of P. and D. Duncan.[3] On 2 October 1933, he married Gwendolyn Hill at St Mary's Anglican Church, Levin.[4]

Rowing

A member of the Canterbury Rowing Club,[1] Gilby represented New Zealand at the 1930 British Empire Games in Hamilton, Ontario.[5] He was a member of the men's eight that won the silver medal,[5] finishing three-quarters of a length behind the victorious English crew.[6]

Death

Gilby died on 8 June 1985, and was buried at Hautapu Cemetery, Cambridge.[7]

Notes and References

  1. News: For Empire Games: the oarsmen to get their big opportunity . 10 April 1930 . NZ Truth . 28 May 2017 . 17.
  2. Book: International Press Who's Who . 1938 . National Magazines . Wellington . 172.
  3. Book: School list of Christ's College Grammar School . 4th . 1921 . Whitcombe and Tombs . Christchurch . 236.
  4. News: Wedding: Gilby–Hill . 5 October 1933 . Horowhenua Chronicle . 28 May 2017 . 6.
  5. Web site: John Gilby . 2016 . New Zealand Olympic Committee . 29 May 2017.
  6. News: Rowing . 18 October 1930 . Evening Post . 29 May 2017 . 22.
  7. Web site: Cemetery database record for Charles Frederick John Gilby . Waipa District Council . 28 May 2017.