Mervyn Charles Kibby was born in New Plymouth on 15 November 1921, the son of George Charles and Mabel Gertrude (nee Guise) Kibby. He had two sisters, Valda (who died as an infant) and Naera Mabel Kibby (1926-2005).
His father George founded and managed Kibby’s Metal Pressing Works in New Plymouth after starting out repairing boots and shoes. George donated several significant items to the city, including the carillon on Pukaka Pā-Marsland Hill, a Bren-gun carrier for the New Zealand Army in 1940 and in 1966 he donated the Begonia House in Pukekura Park – still known as the Kibby House and part of the Fernery and Display Houses.
Mervyn attended New Plymouth Boy’s High School where he enjoyed sports like Athletics and shooting. He showed an early interest in aircraft, being a member of the New Plymouth Model Aeroplane Club while still at school.
During World War Two Mervyn served with first the RNZAF and received training at the No.3 Service Flying Training School in Calgary, Alberta Canada and then served as a sub-lieutenant in the Fleet Air Arm.
He married Doreen Monica Mary Bell and had two sons. He died 16 November 1982, aged 62.
Documents
Kibby Metal Pressing Works, undated newspaper article
George Kibby obituary, Taranaki Herald 14 Feb 1974
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