A Kaikohe couple has given new meaning to the phrase "can't live without".
Peter and Ruth Bedford, 86 and 83 respectively, both died nine hours apart on May 14 after a 60-year marriage.
Daughter Caroline Bedford told Stuff it was good they went together.
"They would have been completely lost without each other," Ms Bedford said.
Peter was initially admitted to hospital the Saturday before, at which point Ruth decided he wasn't coming back, she said.
"She died at 10am on Monday morning and I got a message to Dad. He followed her about nine hours later."
The couple were married on December 30, 1957 after Peter had emigrated to New Zealand from the United Kingdom.
The pair were perfect for each other and loved tramping, music and concerts, Ms Bedford said.
"Mum had a philosophical, intellectual brain and she loved to debate. And Dad was a big thinker too."
Their daughter has also described them as rural people who were well known in their Kaikohe community where they lived since 1980.
Newshub.
