'Devoted couple' die within 11 days of one another

A DEVOTED couple who were married for 64 years have died within 11 days of each other.

Family members have paid tribute to Douglas and Anne Litster, who had been each other's "best friend" since they met during the Second World War.

They say Mrs Litster, 90, passed away peacefully, after her 89-year-old husband died two weeks ago, at the Victoria Manor Nursing Home on Albert Street last Thursday.

Niece Norma Graham said: "They were completely and utterly devoted to each other. They were always together. We knew she was very frail, but the 11 days took us by surprise."

Mr Litster had been introduced to Anne Reid, a civil servant and volunteer nurse, by mutual friends. He had returned to Edinburgh in 1944, after losing a leg while fighting in Italy.

But he refused to let his injury stop him having a busy and active life. He went on to become a bank manager with TSB, and the couple were actively involved in charity work. They both decided to leave their bodies to medical science.

Both were born in Edinburgh, although Mrs Litster moved to London with her parents as a girl. She returned to her home city towards the end of the war.

Mr Litster served with the Royal Artillery in the Middle East and Italy. He lost his leg just before the Battle of Monte Cassino, in 1944, after stepping on a landmine. Despite his devastating injury, he believed it could have saved his life, as many of his friends died on the battlefield.

The couple got engaged in June 1945, and wed in October at Corstorphine Parish Church. When Mr Litster began working at the TSB in Colinton, they moved into a flat above the bank.

They moved to Cambridge when he was promoted to bank manager, and spent happy summers on a houseboat. Mrs Litster threw herself into voluntary work, including Meals on Wheels. Although they had no children, they loved having their nieces and nephews to stay for holidays.

Mr Litster was in the Territorial Army for many years, and was given the honorary title of Prevet Major. One of their proudest moments was when he was awarded the MBE at Buckingham Palace for his services to the TA.

They returned to Scotland on retiring, and lived in Liberton, then Crieff, then Abbeyhill. When Mrs Litster moved into a nursing home, her husband would visit almost every day.

He enjoyed an active retirement, often meeting friends at the Royal Scots Club or taking his family out to lunch. He enjoyed spending time with their nieces, Norma and Elaine, who lived locally, and their children.

Mrs Graham added: "He was very healthy and active up till the end of last year. They were very dear to all of us, and will be very much missed."