Allen and Margaret Berrington were inseparable during their nearly seven decades of marriage and will remain together even after death, according to their grandson.
“It’s a love story 69 years in the making,” said James Graham.
“Their relationship? Inseparable, symbiotic and to that end I think we’re going to combine their ashes so that they can remain together in that state.”
The Berringtons, who were both in their 90s, were found dead Wednesday on a secluded road nearly 100 kilometres outside of the city, said RCMP Sgt. Patrick Webb.
It’s believed that the couple ran out of gas on a wagon trail in the wooded area and began walking to seek help. Their bodies were found only metres apart from one another about three kilometres south of their Chrysler Sebring.
“I don’t know what their choices were, but I think the key is that whatever choice they had made in that moment, they did make it together,” said Graham.
He said his grandparents may have been heading to the Grey Eagle Casino on May 27 for the seafood buffet when they missed the turnoff.
The family found the home in slight disarray, and Graham said it was unlike his grandmother to leave the house in that state.
“My grandfather had been losing weight at such a rate that (Margaret) would have been quite concerned about getting him fed and (the buffet) would have been one of their fastest options,” explained Graham.
Allen had been suffering from early onset dementia, which could have caused him to become confused when he was driving, said Graham.
While the couple did own a cellphone, Graham said the device is still sitting on their coffee table, uncharged.
They leave behind three children, seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
“We have heavy hearts and our spirits are embattled, but there also has been a very warm embrace from the community,” said Graham.
With files from the Canadian Press
