Born 18 September 1886 at Waverley Dunedin New Zealand. Father Henry Paton age 35 yrs and mother Mary nee Mckinlay age 30 yrs. Siblings Henry (Harry), Edward John, Mary (Minnie), Grace Gibson and Elsie.
Married Lilian Florence Cunninghame in Dunedin 5th May 1920. Robert a Bachelor and Clerk and Lilian a Spinster born Melbourne Australia. Only child a son Robert William born Wellington 1920.
Robert died age 78 yrs at Wellington Hospital on 30 November 1964. He was cremated and his ashes interred at Karori Cemetery along with Lilian in 1966.
Education
Oamaru North and Oamaru South Schools
Employment
Wharfinger Wellington Harbour Board
Clubs & Associations
Freemasons Hinemoa Lodge No 122 Wellington NZ Master Mason 33 degrees Scottish Rights
Sports
Rowing - outstanding oarsman, represented Otago with brother Henry
Rugby - represented Otago, Nelson, Buller & South Island prior to 1912
- represented the North Island 1913 and 1919
- Wellington Football Club 1912 to 1915 & 1919 to 1920
Joined the Athletic Club Wellington (now defunct) in 1912 and they won the senior championship for 5 consecutive years when he played for them. He was a lock and loose forward and won acclaim as a line-out expert. Was selected for the NZ team to tour United State and Canada in 1913 but broke his shoulder before the team left and didn't tour.
Became a prominent referee when retired from playing and was also a Wellington Cricket Association umpire for many years.
Military Service
1910 Rank Bombdr Royal NZ Artillery (Gunnery Section)discharged 1919
World War 1 Rank Corporal Embarked SS Devon
Active Service to 31 January 1919 Rank Sergt.