One half of longest married couple dies
ONE half of Britain's longest-married couple has passed away at his Plymouth residential home.
Frank Milford died yesterday morning at the age of 101, with his wife of 81 years holding his hand.
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Frank and Anita Milford
A popular and well-known couple in the city, Frank and Anita met at a dance in St Budeaux's YMCA hut in 1926, marrying two years later.
Their son, also named Frank, described his 101-year-old mother as "broken-hearted" but said she had been at her husband's bedside to share his final moments.
Mr Milford said: "It was not to be unexpected – he was frail for some time and he hadn't really been eating or drinking for the last three weeks.
"We did know it was coming and although it doesn't make it any easier it was inevitable at 101.
"My mother is obviously very, very upset. She is broken-hearted, but at least she could be there with him.
"Their marriage was so long and happy and that is what is really heart-warming at the moment."
Working as a butcher in his teens, Frank Senior took a job alongside his father at Devonport Dockyard at the age of 17.
He married Anita, who was a domestic at Tamar House in Saltash, at Torpoint Register Office on May 26, 1928.
The newlyweds initially lived in Saltash but soon relocated to St Budeaux where they brought up children Frank and his older sister Marie, who is now aged 80.
They stayed in Plymouth throughout the Second World War and only narrowly escaped two bombs during the Blitz, one of which hit the Dockyard during a shift.
Frank Senior retired at the age of 60 and he and Anita took up a range of hobbies, including gardening, snooker, bingo and darts.
In recent years he lost almost all of his vision and struggled with partial deafness.
But the record-breaking pair were still able to celebrate their 81st wedding anniversary in May and said the secret of their marriage was "a little argument every day" but also "sharing a kiss every night before bed".
They were well-known as being the longest-married living couple in Britain, but in February next year they would have broken the all-time record.
They have most recently been living together at Warwick Park House nursing home in West Park, and it was here that Frank passed away.
As well as Anita, Frank Junior and Marie, he also leaves behind five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
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by Adam Sweet, Christchurch, New Zealand
Friday, September 11 2009, 11:04AM
“So sad to hear, 81 years of marriage. They will eventually be together again.
I once lived in Crownhill and a former employee of the dockyard, I bet bet he could have told some wonderfull stories, just like my grandfather did.
RIP”
by Jade, Plymouth
Wednesday, September 02 2009, 11:04PM
“I was so shocked to read this, R.I.P Frank. My thoughts are with Anita. The couple used to live next door to me and they used to go up the hill hand in hand with a smile on their faces! such a shame. rip xxx”
by James, Mutley
Wednesday, September 02 2009, 9:50PM
“Terribly, terribly sad news, but I am just so amazed by this couple. I hope Anita knows the thoughts of everyone who reads this story are with her, and that she can remember what a wonderful gift she shared with her husband.
RIP Frank. You and your wife are an inspiration to all of us.”
by Victoria, NW London
Wednesday, September 02 2009, 7:40PM
“This story made national news - didn't realise they were in Plymouth. Everyone dreams of a relationship like this, myself included. They knew the secret all right - a little argument everyday, a little kiss ;) every nite,but above all, recognising true love when it's right there in front of you, treasuring it, and never letting it go. Rest in peace Frank x”
by jade, plymouth
Wednesday, September 02 2009, 7:24PM
“what a lovely cute couple, rest in peace Frank if i have a marriage half as happy as yours i'll be a very very lucky girl, try and keep your chin up anita lots of love to you xxx rest in peace xxx”
by Admiration, Plymouth
Wednesday, September 02 2009, 4:28PM
“My condolences to Mrs Milford and family. Everything about love and commitment is here in this marriage, and if mine lasts half as long then I will feel blessed. Back in the year when this couple wed it was for life and not like now just a flash in the pan. So if there is a lesson to be learnt about marriage then just look at this truly magical couple who have seen and been through so many things and still came out the other end still in love and happy that they had each other. R.I.P Frank.”
by Lou, Saltash
Wednesday, September 02 2009, 3:24PM
“what an amazing couple, a true inspiration to all married couple.
May he now rest in peace and Anita take comfort in all your happy memories”
by Saddened, Plymouth
Wednesday, September 02 2009, 2:11PM
“I have followed this heartwarming story for several years and I am deeply saddened to hear of the very sad loss of Frank. God bless you both - you are an inspiration to us all. I'm sure the wonderful memories you have both created will be talked about for many years. What amazing people xxx”
by chris, Cornwall
Wednesday, September 02 2009, 11:38AM
“A true inspiration to us all.My heart goes out to Anita , and the whole family, but what memories of a long and happy life together. RIP Frank”
by Chris Morton, Plymouth
Wednesday, September 02 2009, 8:47AM
“Rest In Peace Frank.”