“This year has completely turned our world upside down, and for now we are simply taking things one step at a time”
Shannon Brown Senior Reporter
07:27, 06 Mar 2026
Gary and Heidi Veacock with daughters Amber and Mia(Image: GoFundMe/Family Handout)
Heartfelt tributes have poured in for a Devon couple who passed away within weeks of one another.
Gary and Heidi Veacock from Exmouth have been fondly remembered by loved ones following their devastating deaths.
Gary, a former Royal Marine officer who had lately retired, died on Monday, 12th January, from undiagnosed high blood pressure.
His 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.
“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”, reports Devon Live.
“Our hearts are broken, and we thank everyone for their love, support, and kindness during this incredibly difficult time.”
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Heidi died just a fortnight after her husband’s funeral service at Lympstone Training Camp in Devon.
She was remembered as a gifted pastry chef and a lively character who spread happiness wherever she went.
Paying tribute 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.”
Family friends have set up an online fundraising page to help Amber and her sister Mia through this devastating period, which has already amassed thousands of pounds in donations.
The fundraising page reads: “Sadness poured from dark, clouded skies following Gary’s passing.
“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 previously been a player for Topsham Town FC, who released their own heartfelt tribute, stating: “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 collaborated with Gary in organising a fundraising abseil, stated: “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 fundraising page has attracted 532 donations and has collected £28,777 at the time of writing. You can contribute to the Veacock fundraiser here.