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Couple die within hours of each other after 75 years of marriage

Jim and Marjory on their 75th wedding anniversary.
Jim and Marjory on their 75th wedding anniversary.

A devoted Perthshire couple who died within 12 hours of each other after more than 75 years of marriage have been remembered with a special memorial.

Jim and Marjory Ower both died just weeks after celebrating their milestone wedding anniversary at Balhousie Coupar Angus Care Home.

Now the couple’s sons,  Jim and Ian, have donated a memorial bench to the care home where they spent their final years.

The bench, which has a plaque remembering the couple, has been placed in the care home’s gardens for other residents and visitors to enjoy.

Back row, left to right, Sue Lamb, Jim Ower, Jeneme Thorne, Ian Ower, Andy Shaw, Alison Miller. Front row,  Jim Barker and Betty McCullie.
Back row, left to right, Sue Lamb, Jim Ower, Jeneme Thorne, Ian Ower, Andy Shaw, Alison Miller.<br />Front row, Jim Barker and Betty McCullie.

Both originally from Coupar Angus, Jim and Marjory married during the Second World War on December 7 1940.

Jim was a farmer while Marjory took care of their three children.

They saw the world change dramatically during their three quarters of a century together, from post-war Britain and the Queen’s Coronation, to the invention of the personal computer and the turn of the millennium.

They celebrated a special event last year when Jim turned 100.

The couple then enjoyed a special 75th wedding anniversary surprise party in December at the Coupar Angus care home where they received a special telegram from the Queen congratulating them both on their long and happy marriage.

Alison Miller, home manager at Balhousie Coupar Angus Care Home, said they were delighted to have the bench as a reminder of the couple following their death in January.

“It was incredibly sad when Jim and Marjory passed away earlier this year, especially so close together,” she said.

“We were honoured to help them celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary shortly before they both passed and I think they thoroughly enjoyed marking such a special milestone together.

“We would like to thank Jim and Marjory’s family for donating the beautiful bench which has pride of place in our gardens. I’m sure our residents will enjoy using it very much.”