Sorrow as siblings die a day apart

As thick as thieves, Arthur and Irene Price spent their childhood playing together on the streets of Bradley in Bilston.

The bond between the brother and sister grew stronger as they grew up, even stretching over oceans when Irene emigrated to New Zealand. But now the family is in mourning after the pair passed away just a few hours apart from each other on the opposite sides of the world.

Irene died of blood loss in Christchurch, New Zealand, on May 11, and Arthur of pneumonia at New Cross Hospital on May 12.

As youngsters, the pair lived with their parents and sisters Daisy, Doreen and Elsie in All Green Street, Bradley.

Sister Doreen, aged 78, of Short Heath, Willenhall, said: “We were all really close growing up. Even when Irene moved away, we were in touch all the time.

“Arthur and Irene used to play scrabble and my husband said to me the other day it’s as though Irene said ‘come on Arthur, let’s have another game together’.”

Arthur trained apprentices at locksmiths Josiah Parkes & Sons in Willenhall. He met wife Barbara there, marrying her in 1966.

Mrs Price, aged 76, of Sandbeds Road, Short Heath, said: “They were very close, even when Irene moved away 11 years ago. The family can’t believe how much of a coincidence it is.”

Mrs Price added Arthur, who was 82, was a wonderful father to daughter Yvonne and grandfather to Jason and Kelly. His funeral will take place on May 28 at Bushbury Crematorium.

Irene, who was 76, was married to the late Charlie Seaman and leaves children, Carl and Susan.