Tragic couple die on same day from cancer after both lose battle with disease

A family have told how a "wonderful couple" both died of cancer on the same day and they are "greatly missed".

Dick and Mary Lewis, from Killin in the Highlands, passed away within hours of each other on August 30, 2024, after both were diagnosed with terminal cancer just weeks apart. And for the Lewis family it has been especially difficult to deal with a double tragedy. Dick, who had been battling oesophageal cancer, learned in June last year that it had spread. Just weeks later, his wife Mary, who had previously beaten breast cancer, was dealt the devastating news she had aggressive ovarian cancer.

By August, Dick was being cared for at Strathcarron Hospice while Mary received end-of-life care at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. She had been due to join him at Strathcarron so the couple could spend their final days together.

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But heartbreakingly, Dick died at 8am on August 30. Just four hours later, Mary also passed away, leaving their family and the wider Killin community bereft.

Now, a year on, their daughter-in-law Claire Grant has paid tribute to the “wonderful couple” by taking on a gruelling 35-mile walk around Loch Tay to raise funds for Strathcarron Hospice.

Claire, who is partner to the couple’s son Richard, set off at 4.30am on the anniversary of their deaths, trekking from Carie to Kenmore, Ardeonaig, Killin, and back again. So far, she has raised more than £2,500 in their memory.

Claire said: “Dick and Mary were such a wonderful couple and are greatly missed. They just wanted to be together at the end. Unfortunately, Mary didn't make it to Strathcarron where Dick was waiting for her.

“It really was tragic for our family to go through such a heart-breaking double diagnosis and then losing them both on the same day. It has been a really tough time but we couldn't be more grateful for the exceptional care in which Dick received at Strathcarron. He really was at peace there.

"The staff at Strathcarron were a breath of fresh air. On one of our visits he had just had a foot massage, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Staff were compassionate and made Dick feel at ease and comfortable.”

Mary and Dick, who first got together in the early 1970s, were well-known and much-loved faces in Killin, reported the Daily Record.

The couple were active members of Killin Golf Club and the local Walking Group, and for many years they ran The Old Mill Restaurant and the Killin Wee Bake Shop before enjoying their retirement. Dick also dedicated his time to the Killin and District Volunteer Car Scheme.

Claire said: “My parents in law were very well known in our community and I would like to thank everyone for supporting my fundraising in their memory. When I planned the challenge I set a target of £500, so I am quite chuffed to have managed to get more than that!

“I have a few blisters from the walk but it really was such an amazing experience and the scenery was stunning. It was so peaceful. I had a lot of time with my own thoughts and got emotional at times thinking of Mary and Dick.”