John gordon Goodyer was born 1892, the 8th child of William Henry and Sarah Goodyer, in Crushington 3 miles inland from Reefton on the now Lewis Pass State Highway 7 between the West Coast and North Canterbury. The town was originally a settlement for quartz mining and was named for the pervasive sound of quartz being crushed by the mine's machinery.

He became a school teacher and served at various country schools during his time. While working at the small Tui School (near Tapawera) he met his wife Evelyn Mary McMahon, she lived in Tapawera with her 7 siblings on her father George McMahon's farm,

John enlisted for the Army at Trentham age 23 in 1915 and served as a staff seargent in Egypt 1916 and Western Europe 1916 - 1918. Promoted sergeant 27 Aug 1917, promoted Captain (Temp) Motueka Battalion
NZ Army Roll 1914-1918, John Goodyer, school teacher Next of Kin; Mrs sarah ann Goodyer, (Mother), Murchison. - Home Guard 1 Aug 1951. (Height 5'10", weight 162lbs, chest measument 35" expanded 37 1/2, Discharged with the British War and Victory medals.

John returned to NewZealand in 1919, and married Evelyn the following year,
at St Barnabus Church in Stoke, 25 Aug 1920.

Nelson Evening Mail, 7th September 1920.
MARRIAGE GOODYER—MACMAHON.—On 24th August, 1920, at St. Barnabas’ Church, Stoke, John, son of Mr. and Mrs W. Goodyer, Murchison, to Evelyn Mary, oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs Geo. MacMahon, “Ngaionui,” Stoke.

They moved to Reefton where John commenced a teaching position at Reefton District Highschool. Their first child Russell John was born there in Broadway. On leaving there he appled for and was succesful in gaining the headmasters position at Riwaka School, he was to work there for the following 20yrs.. John was highly regarded and respected by the Riwaka community. His worked tirelessly as secretary of the RSA and earlier on he "was" the RSA. He served in the home guard from 1919 to 1949. Evelyn gave birth to a further 4 children at the Motueka Cottage Hospital in Greenwood St. In 1949 the Goodyers moved to Stoke after John retired from 20yrs service as headmaster.. Not long after he'd received an MBE for his services to the Riwaka community John died 1950 at their home in Stoke at the age of 58. Evelyn lived on a further 34yrs and died also at their Stoke home in 1984.

TRIBUTE BY RIWAKA WOMEN
At the conclusion of the Anzac service at Riwaka, the Riwaka Branch of the RSA Womans section paid a graceful tribute to the memory of the late Mr John Goodyer for many years secretary of the Motueka RSA. In handing over a portrait in oils of Mr Goodyer painted by Mr R. Howell of Nelson, Mrs H Goodall, president of the Womans section branch said that it was the wish of members that the painting be hung in the Motueka RSA Clubrooms, to serve as a reminder of the work of their old friend and comrade.
In accepting the gift Mrs A H Eddie, vice president of the Motueka RSA said he was greatly privileged to do so. Every member of his branch shared with those present the privilege of having known and respected Mr Goodyer and knew what his self sacrificing service had meant to the RSA. "In deed at one time in its history John Goodyer had been the RSA in the district. The portrait would keep always before ex-servicemen the memory of the great man and comrade.
Later in the day the portrait was accepted formally by Mr Chas Gattenby, president of the Motueka branch of the RSA

1914 Grey supplimentry Roll, West Coast
John Goodyer, Soldier's Road, Reefton, Teacher
also
1914 Motueka Tasman
John Goodyer, Aporo, School Teacher

1919 Motueka, Tasman
John Goodyer, Soldier's Road, Reefton, Teacher

1928 Motueka, Tasman
John        Goodyer, Umukuri, School Teacher
Evelyn mary Goodyer, Umukuri, Married

1935 Motueka, Tasman
John        Goodyer, Riwaka, School Teacher
Evelyn mary Goodyer, Riwaka, Married

1946 Buller, West Coast
John        Goodyer, Riwaka, School Teacher
Evelyn mary Goodyer, Riwaka, Married

1949 Buller, West Coast
John        Goodyer, Riwaka, School Teacher
Evelyn mary Goodyer, Riwaka, Married

1949 Nelson
John        Goodyer, Marsden Road, Stoke, Retired
Evelyn mary Goodyer, Marsden Road, Stoke, married

John Died 1950 at Stoke

1954 Nelson
Evelyn mary Goodyer, Marsden Road, Stoke, Widow

1957 Nelson 
Eveline mary Goodyer, 14 Marsden Road, Stoke Widow

John Goodyer Headstone 13 Riwaka Cemetery John (jack) Goodyer Warrent Officer Class 1 Serial No. 26/998 NZEF Rifle Brigade. Died 13:9:1950 -- Aged 59 Years

In Loving Memory of EVELYN MARY GOODYER Died 15th June 1984 Aged 92 Years The Lord is my Shepherd

Back to TOP Close info Window © Cam Campbell © JCC Glass

Updated 27th Septmber 2017