This Is Guernsey

AN ELDERLY couple were found dead in their St Martin’s home yesterday. Police are investigating the cause of the deaths of Ray and Joyce Gauvain.

An onlooker said the couple had only just returned from a holiday in the UK.

‘I know she wasn’t very well and suffered from breathing problems, but he was in good health as far as I am aware,’ he said.

‘Apparently, when the police went inside the house she was lying on the floor with her oxygen mask on and he was found in the chair.’

Ian Watson, managing director of Guernsey Electricity, where Mr Gauvain worked, today paid tribute to the couple.

He said GE staff were shocked and saddened at the news.

‘As part of our secondment programme I had recently worked closely with Ray and so got to know him very well.

‘He had been with us for more than 40 years and was very well liked. There are groups of very sad people around the organisation today.

‘He will be sadly missed.

‘The news is very hard to come to terms with - especially with the two of them going.’

Police were called at 2pm by someone who was concerned about the couple.

At least three police cars and two ambulances attended and the road was closed for more than one hour.

Inspector Terry Coule confirmed that the bodies of a man and woman aged about 65 were discovered inside the property.

‘We are not treating the matter as suspicious, but there will be an investigation as is the case with all unnatural deaths,’ he said.

Another neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: ‘They were a quiet couple who kept themselves to themselves.’

A Guernsey Gas spokesman said the Fire & Rescue Service asked it to attend a house in the Oberlands yesterday afternoon.

‘On arrival we were not allowed access and were then informed that our attendance was not necessary.

‘We have no further information on this incident.’

Article posted on 5th October, 2007 - 12.00am