John Robert O'Connor

John Robert O'Connor (JacK)

Was orphaned at the age of 4 and was one of 3 siblings brought up by various other family members farming in the province of Taranaki. He was a keen sportsman and played rugby union before turning to wrestling. He became Auckland Provincial Champion at his weight division in 1938 & 1939. Jack's wrestling career was interrupted by World War 2. He initially joined the Army but transferred into the Air Force and was posted overseas after basic training. He served at U.S. Air Bases in the Solomon Islands and New Caledonia until he contracted malaria and was medivaced back to New Zealand.

After the war, he moved down to Christchurch, where his wife Betty & infant son Kevin were living. Jack had only had basic education and lacked formal qualifications, he worked at a variety of jobs including the freight despatch sheds at NZ Rail, where he was employed at the time of the motor accident which caused his death in April 1952, he was aged 39.