Couple were 'best parents ever'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/north_east/8488637.stm

Version 0 of 1.

The three sons of a couple who were found dead at their luxury Flintshire home have described them as "the best parents they could ever want".

Paul and Jean Laithwaite, who were 64 and 65, were discovered dead at their home in Sealand, Deeside, on Sunday 17 January.

Police have said they are not looking for anyone else over their deaths.

Marcus, Jeremy and Quentin Laithwaite said the family is in "shock and deep grief at their tragic deaths".

The three sons issued a tribute to their parents through North Wales Police, saying the pair, who moved to Deeside House from north west England in 1976, were "completely devoted to each other, and kind and generous to all."

Our parents could have been one person. They rarely did anything apart Jeremy Laithwaite

The couple had been married for 41 years and "their six grandchildren adored Niney and Pop".

Jeremy Laithwaite said: "Our parents could have been one person. They rarely did anything apart. They worked played and laughed together."

He said the couple worked long hours running the business and took few breaks.

Though 64 and 65, the pair had no intention of retiring, Mr Laithwaite added.

He said they were keen on motor racing and every year went sailing with a group of friends for a week.

The couple attended church in Sealand regularly while Mrs Laithwaite was actively involved in charity work, their son added.

The couple were found dead at their home earlier this month

He described his parents as the "perfect hosts", saying the warmth of the welcome in their household was "memorable".

He also described how Mr Laithwaite's love of ducks led him to create a pond in their "beautiful garden."

"His chosen birds were so well fed that the wild ducks flocked to Deeside House," Jeremy Laithwaite added.

An inquest has been opened and adjourned into the deaths by the north east Wales coroner.

A post mortem examination showed Mr Laithwaite died from a shotgun wound to his head.

Further tests are being carried out to establish the cause of his wife's death.

The tribute added the practical support, prayers and thoughtful messages from their many friends are helping the family to adjust to life without the parents.