Historic moment for three generations of Kitcho caretakers

A historic moment at Alma’s selection day: (from left) classer Andrew Rutherford joined three generations of the McKeon family - Bob McKeon, son Mark McKeon, and grandsons Jack and Patrick Ward. Image: supplied.

By Krista Schade

A historic moment unfolded recently at the 2024 Alma selection day.

The day marked a significant milestone, bringing together three generations of the McKeon family, all deeply connected to Kitcho Station, near Oxley NSW, and its rich history.

Andrew Rutherford, who has been classing Kitcho’s sheep since 1977, attended alongside Bob McKeon, a second-generation farmer at Kitcho.

Also joining them were Mark McKeon, representing the third generation, and Bob’s grandsons, Jack and Patrick Ward, the fourth generation.

The talented Ward brothers recently returned from Europe after representing Australia in mountain bike racing.

The connection between the McKeon and Rutherford families runs deep. Both Bob’s father John McKeon and Andrew’s father John Rutherford served together as pilots in the Royal Air Force during World War II.

Upon returning to Australia, John McKeon was selected as a Soldier Settler, drawing Kitcho in 1946.