Thespian and war vet remembered

Colourful Oamaru character and British-born World War II veteran June Blakey has been remembered for her contribution to theatre.

She died at her home peacefully on August 27, aged 96, surrounded by family.

Earlier this year her war story featured in In Honour, a Stuff project featuring 12 stories from Kiwis who served in World War II.

Her youngest daughter Jo Blakey said it was the Kiwi observer her father flew with in the Royal Navy as an officer in the Fleet Arm that convinced her parents to emigrate to New Zealand in 1958.

June was in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (Wrens) during the war and became a performer who met famous actors Laurence Oliver, Kenneth Connor and Sybil Thorndike.

To mark Anzac Day 2021, she spoke of her life and how she entertained the troops through the Orkney Islands with her then boyfriend, budding actor Donald Hewlett.

Settling in Oamaru, June’s love of theatre was plain to see as she became one of a few to be guarantor for purchasing the repertory theatre building in 1963. It was previously the Star and Garter Hotel.

Blakey recalled her mother being heavily involved in the theatre and the parties that went along with it.

Oamaru Repertory Society member Bob Avis knew June for about 40 years.

‘‘She was an excellent director with formidable knowledge and experience. She would put her wishes to the actors firmly and if they got it wrong they would be scolded,’’ he said.

She is survived by her four children, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.