Joseph Alon Vipond

“Joey’ was born 28th of August 1888 on the family farm in Matakana to Joseph and Ella Norma (nee Rayner) Vipond. Descendents of the early Vipond settlers of Matakana. His unusual middle name was taken from his Uncle Alon Vipond of Port Albert, Rodney. Alon and his brother Joseph had immigrated from Alston, Cumberland, England and settled in the Rodney District. On the 31st of May 1916 at the age of 28 years, Joey signed up with the New Zealand 17th Reinforcements, G Coy, listing himself as being a self employed Farmer from Matakana. He then travelled to Trentham camp and settled into training. However, in early July, he contracted the Measles and was transferred to Izards Hospital in Wellington on the 8th. Sadly, on the morning of the 10th he died, his Mother and Father at his side. The certified caused of his death was Pneumonia following acute Measles. His body arrived in Matakana on Sunday 15th of July aboard the S.S. Kawau. Following a service he was buried in the Matakana Cemetery and is remembered on the Matakana War Memorial - Lest We forget.