The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Heartbreak as couple die within weeks of each other
Family pays tribute
They were the husband and wife from Aberdeen who died just weeks apart after being married for 70 years.
And now their family have revealed the true love story that blossomed between Paul and Veronica Spurgeon, dating back to the middle of last century.
Paul Spurgeon died on January 9 this year, aged 89, followed closely by his wife Veronica, who succumbed to a broken heart on her 88th birthday on January 31.
“Doctors got them together and they lay holding hands”
The pair were married on Valentine’s Day in 1950 after he relocated to Dyce from his home in Northampton for national service with the RAF.
Based at the airport, he attended a few dances at the ballroom where he met Veronica, who was better known to friends as Vicky, and asked her to tea.
Their daughter Karen Ledford said: “He stayed here in Aberdeen and got married in the Catholic church in Chapel Street on February 14 1950.
“While they were both in hospital, ARI were really good.
“When I was told my dad only had a few hours to live, I asked one of the doctors if it was possible to get them together as it was only a month until their 70th wedding anniversary.
“They found a way for them to be together and they lay holding hands. It was lovely to see them together.”
However, following her husband’s death, Veronica began to shut down.
Karen said: “After my dad died the doctor said to me that mum was dying of a broken heart.
“It’s the shock of living with someone for 70 years and then along with being older and a few other things that brought the end.
“They had ups and downs like everyone else, but they were so close.”
Paul was known for his passion for cars, while Veronica worked in her father’s confectioners, fruit shop and ice cream parlour.
Karen recalled: “She was a great knitter. If she wanted to make something for us, like a cardigan for school, she would start it at teatime and it would be done in time for bed.
“My dad was a gent, a true old English gentleman and if anyone had a problem with their car they would go to him. I was my dad’s little princess.
“Both of them loved to visit their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“They were very loving people.”