Tributes have been paid to a well-known Co Tyrone couple after they passed away just hours apart.
Andy and Jean Forbes were married for almost 60 years before passing on the same day.
They both died last Friday, October 16.
A large congregation gathered at Sion Mills Presbyterian Church on Monday to celebrate the couple’s lives, as a joint service was held.
The congregation were told about the couple’s long and happy relationship together, a report by We Are Tyrone stated.
Born in 1935, Mr Forbes grew up in Urney.
He enjoyed a long career as a commercial salesman, working for TBF Thompson, Charles Hurst and Eakin Brothers Bedford Trucks, where he served as sales manager.
His wife Jean, née Nelson, was born in 1937 and grew up in Sion Mills.
She worked as an auxiliary nurse.
The couple married at Urney Parish Church on August 19, 1967, and lived in their family home on Melmount Road along with their child Aundrea.
The congregation also heard about Mr Forbes’ bravery during an IRA bombing in Sion Mills in January 1990.
After discovering a van packed with explosives beside the former police barracks near his home, he immediately moved Jean and her elderly parents to safety before raising the alarm.
With the help of a neighbour, he evacuated worshippers attending Saturday evening Mass at St Theresa’s Church and helped block the main road to keep traffic away.
The subsequent explosion demolished the barracks and reduced the couple’s bungalow to rubble.
Fellow Masonic Lodge member Tom Bratton paid tribute to Mr Forbes’ quick thinking, saying his actions had prevented what could have been a large loss of life.
“His bravery will never be forgotten, and his name will forever be remembered with gratitude, pride and respect.”
When the couple moved into Edenvale Care Home in Limavady, Jean was accommodated across the corridor, allowing them to remain close.
Following Monday’s service, the couple were interred at Urney Cemetery.