This headstone reads
‘sacred
to the memory of Wilfred Cheesman
Feb 1901 -1921
Cyril Cheesman
1899-1932′
Wilfred alone is buried in this plot.
Wilfred and Cyril were two of four children born to Arthur and Sarah Cheesman (nee Parrish). Arthur was a butcher and President of the Operative Butchers Union. His father Thomas Taylor Cheesman had emigrated from Sussex via Victoria. Arthur, Sarah and the family lived in Hall Street.
Wilfred was an employee of the Tramways Department. He died aged 20 after falling from a yacht into Evans Bay. It was assumed that his heart was affected otherwise he should have been able to swim to safety. The coroner commended the gallant effort of his brother Cyril in his attempt to save Wilfred.
Sadly, the sea claimed Cyril in 1932. On the 5th July he set sail from Napier on the launch Advance with George Howell and Robert Pembo on a course for Wanganui. It never arrived at its destination. Several air searches were undertaken. In October 1933 an Inquest was held. The coroner determined that the vessel was un-seaworthy and that the three men lost their lives when the vessel foundered.
Plot: *Public 2/L/311
