A devoted couple who lived a "true love story" during 60 years together have died within four days of each other.

Roddy Tyndale-Biscoe passed away following the death of his wife Julia, who he met when he was 17.

At their joint funeral at Barham Crematorium, family and friends were reminded of their remarkable lives and contribution.

Roddy, 77, was well-known for his support for the League of Friends of Kent and Canterbury Hospital and the Rotary Club of Canterbury.

But in recent years, he had selflessly dedicated his life to caring for Julia, who had a long-term incapacitating illness, until his own failing health meant she had to go into residential care.

"They were devoted to each other and it was a true love story," said daughter Jane Wallace.

The couple shared a love of music, having met while playing for the Canterbury Junior Orchestra where Julia (Simon Langton Girls) played cello and Roddy (St Edmund's) the trumpet.

Julia, who was 76, became an accomplished player, achieving the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music, and was also a good singer.

They were married on July 20, 1963 and went on to have two daughters, Jane and Lucy, and five grandchildren, living mostly in Wimbourne, East Dorset.

Julia taught domestic science and Roddy, a civil engineer, worked on motorway construction, which took them all over the world.

Roddy left the industry in 1973, but the couple returned to Canterbury to run Forwoods music shop in Palace Street for 25 years after Julia's parents retired from the business.

It was there he developed a special talent for repairing and restoring stringed instruments.

He had distinguished ancestry, being related to William Tyndale, who translated the New Testament from Greek to English and the first five books of the Old Testament from Hebrew to English in the 16th century, for which he was executed.

It later led to Roddy's fascination with early bibles.

His younger brother, Charles, gave the eulogy at their funeral on August 19, which was followed by a wake at Mount Ephraim.

He spoke with great affection about the couple, who lived in Faversham, recalling Julia's kindness, generosity and humour, and Roddy's multi-sporting talent, inventiveness and mischievousness - as well as his total dedication to Julia in her need.

"What a great life they have had. What memories we have of them," he said.

Tributes have also been paid to Roddy, who died on July 26, by both charities he served.

"The League of Friends has lost one of its true champions," said past chairman and friend Viv Pritchard.

"Roddy's contribution to the league over the past 30 years has been immense. Much of the work he did was behind the scenes with no fuss.

"He was always modest about his contribution, but his efforts and generosity will not be forgotten.

"Working with him was always a pleasure because of his energy, enthusiasm and sense of fun. We shall miss him greatly."

Roddy joined the Rotary Club in 1985 and was president in 1991 and in 2011. He was awarded the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award by the international board in recognition of his work for the charity.

Friend and past chairman Alastair Scott said: "He was a charming and funny man who was very generous with his time and will be sadly missed."

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