Devoted couple dies days apart

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 04 Desember 2012 | 20.01

Patrick Dass and Gillian Stayt died several days apart and will be buried together. Source: Townsville Bulletin

A LOVING couple together for 33 years have been found dead in their home after passing away several days apart.

Devoted partners right until their end, the bodies of Patrick Dass and Gillian Stayt were found by a neighbour in their cottage about 30km west of Giru, southeast of Townsville, on Sunday, November 25.

Patrick was found on the patio and Gillian inside the house. Today, they will be buried together, the Townsville Bulletin reports.

The exact causes for both deaths have not been confirmed by medical authorities, but it appeared Patrick, 55, died first of a heart attack. Several days later Gillian, 74, joined him. Her family believe her death was caused by a fall.

Gillian's granddaughter Melanie Clair said the pair's end was like a modern-day Romeo and Juliet story.

"We're all feeling it was nice they could pass away together because he was so devoted to her and it happened on the farm, which is where they wanted to be," she said.

"I think we're still in a bit of shock about it, but we're comforted by the fact they've gone together."

The pair met through a mutual friend in Townsville in 1979, not letting their 19-year age gap get in the way.

In their final act of partnership, Patrick's ashes will be placed in Ms Stayt's coffin so the couple can be buried together.

Dunia Asik