A family mourns the loss of a beloved couple who both succumbed to cancer on the same day. Dick and Mary Lewis, residents of Killin in the Highlands, tragically passed away within hours of each other on August 30, 2024. The couple had received terminal cancer diagnoses only weeks apart, adding to the heartache for their loved ones.
Dick, who had been fighting oesophageal cancer, discovered the disease had spread in June of the previous year. Shortly after, Mary, who had previously conquered breast cancer, received the devastating news of aggressive ovarian cancer.
As their health deteriorated, Dick was under the care of Strathcarron Hospice, while Mary was receiving end-of-life treatment at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. They had planned to reunite at Strathcarron for their final moments together.
Tragically, Dick passed away at 8 am on August 30, followed by Mary just four hours later. Their family and the Killin community were left in mourning for the loss of the cherished couple.
A year later, Claire Grant, their daughter-in-law, honored the memory of Dick and Mary by embarking on a challenging 35-mile walk around Loch Tay to raise funds for Strathcarron Hospice. Claire, partner to Richard, set off at 4:30 am on the anniversary of their passing, trekking through various locations and has raised over £2,500 in their honor.
Reflecting on the couple, Claire expressed, “Dick and Mary were an exceptional couple who are deeply missed. Their desire to be together until the end was poignant, and it is heartbreaking that Mary couldn’t join Dick at Strathcarron as planned.”
She continued, “Enduring the double diagnosis and losing them on the same day was an incredibly tough ordeal for our family. We are grateful for the outstanding care Dick received at Strathcarron, where he found peace. The compassionate staff provided comfort and support during his time there.”
Mary and Dick, who began their journey together in the early 1970s, were beloved members of the Killin community. They actively participated in the Killin Golf Club, the local Walking Group, and owned The Old Mill Restaurant and the Killin Wee Bake Shop before retiring. Dick also dedicated his time to the Killin and District Volunteer Car Scheme.
Expressing gratitude for the community’s support in her fundraising efforts, Claire said, “My in-laws were well-known figures in our community, and I appreciate everyone who has contributed in their memory. While the challenge caused a few blisters, the experience was incredible, and the scenery was breathtaking. It was a peaceful journey, allowing me time to reflect on Mary and Dick.”
This tragic loss has deeply impacted the Killin community, leaving a void that will be felt for years to come.