Re: Wanted-Dead or alive-NZ Hoyles
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In reply to:
Wanted-Dead or alive-NZ Hoyles
6/13/99
I was searching on the net and saw that you posted some years ago an interest in your great grandfather, Robert Hoyle of New Plymouth.
I thought that I would drop you a note to say that I knew him very well. He was known to me as Uncle Robert, after he married my great aunt Emma (Grace) Hoyle née Grayson. I was at boarding school in New Plymouth during the 1980s and would call over most weekends to visit and mow his lawns. He told my brother and I many stories of his early childhood and days in business. My brother has a photograph of him when he was in his teens, working in New Plymouth. This would have been not long after he jumped ship in Wellington as his father was returning the family to England, but he wanted to stay (against his father's wishes).
He lived in Bracken Street New Plymouth, in a house he built. The street was named Hoyle Street after his death. His widow was asked permission, and she was delighted.
He died in 1986, at age 90. He was in good health up to the last few months before he died. I went to his funeral, and he is now buried at New Plymouth cemetery.
I have very vivid memories of the discussions with Robert. He was a great person, and he without doubt his influence upon me as a teen has lasted into my adult life.
Robert had a younger brother, Larry, who lived in Waitara and would sometimes come over to visit.
I hope this is helpful.