Gary and Heidi Veacock have been remembered by friends and family following their tragic deaths.
Shannon Brown and Annette Belcher
19:40, 05 Mar 2026Updated 19:41, 05 Mar 2026
(Image: GoFundMe/Family Handout)
Tributes have been paid to a Devon couple who tragically died within weeks of each other. Gary and Heidi Veacock of Exmouth have been remembered by friends and family following their tragic deaths.
Former Royal Marine officer Gary, who had recently retired, died on Monday, January 12, from undiagnosed high blood pressure.
Daughter Amber Veacock said: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Gary Veacock passed away quite unexpectedly on Monday, January 12, with his beloved wife Heidi and daughters Amber and Mia by his side, DevonLive reports.
“Gary was truly larger than life – full of love, laughter, and warmth. He was an incredible husband and an amazing dad, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
“Our hearts are broken, and we thank everyone for their love, support, and kindness during this incredibly difficult time.”
Tragically, Heidi then passed away just two weeks after her husband’s funeral at Lympstone Training Camp in Devon.
She was described as a talented pastry chef and a vibrant presence who brought joy wherever she went.
Sharing tributes to her mother, Amber said: “We never imagined we would be sharing another message like this so soon after losing Dad, but it is with great sadness that we let you know that Mum, Heidi Veacock, passed away at home on Sunday 1st March, with us by her side, after a long journey with neuroendocrine cancer and carcinoid disease.”
She added: “We are incredibly grateful for all the kindness and support we have received during this unbelievably difficult time. This year has completely turned our world upside down, and for now we are simply taking things one step at a time.”
Friends of the family have created an online fundraising page to support Amber and her sister Mia. It has already raised thousands of pounds.
“Sadness poured from dark, clouded skies following Gary’s passing,” the fundraiser says.
“Then, on the first day of spring, Heidi also sadly passed away. After they were reunited, the birds sang and the sun broke through. Their love and kindness live on through their wonderful daughters, Amber and Mia.
“Amber and Mia have expressed that they would prefer no flowers at this time. With their blessing, we have created this page and kindly ask that you consider donating instead.
“This will help support them with the costs of arrangements and also allow them to do something special for themselves, spending the funds as they wish.”
Gary had formerly played for Topsham Town FC. In their own statement, the club said: “We at Topsham football club are saddened to hear of the recent unexpected passing of a former player.
“Gary Veacock, a Royal Marine, passed away in January and his funeral was held with full military honours. Our thoughts go to the friends and family of Gary.”
Royal Free Charity, which worked with Gary in arranging a fundraising abseil, said: “As we were putting the finishing touches to our plans for this year’s Royal Free Charity Abseil – an event made possible by Gary’s vision – we received the news of his unexpected death.
“Gary was instrumental in launching our inaugural abseil last summer, bringing his leadership and experience as a Royal Marines officer to create an event that raised vital funds for patients and staff across the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.
“He established the abseil to thank NHS staff for the care his wife, Heidi, received. His passion and unwavering belief in the cause made the event such a success and inspired everyone involved.”
The fundraiser has 532 donations and has raised £28,777 at time of reporting. You can donate to the Veacock fundraiser here.