‘Love story’ ends in tragedy: Dennis and Barbara Willshire found dead in murder-suicide at Glynde retirement village

Dennis and Barbara Willshire had a “love story” life, according to friends. But the unexplained circumstance surrounding their deaths has raised a number of questions.

An elderly husband killed his ailing wife and then himself in a suspected murder-suicide at a popular Adelaide retirement village, police said.

Major Crime and Eastern District CIB detectives are investigating the deaths of Dennis and Barbara Willshire, both 92, in their home at LHI Retirement Services, Glynde.

Distraught friends and neighbours paid tribute to the “devoted” grandparents, who were popular, long-term residents at the northeastern suburbs independent living facility.

Senior police believe Mr Willshire, a highly regarded retired public servant who won a coveted award in the early 1990s, killed his wife of more than 50 years – who was battling poor health – before taking his own life.

Emergency services were called to Barnes Rd just after 8am on Wednesday.

The cause of death is still being investigated and while authorities reported a smell of gas, it was not believed to have contributed.

Early investigations also ruled out any history of domestic violence. It is understood Mrs Willshire, a talented painter, lived in the facility’s aged care area.

Barbara and Dennis Willshire were both 92. Friends say they were devoted to each other and their grandchildren. Digitally combined artwork.

The couple’s Adelaide-based family declined to comment at their son’s northern suburbs home.

Friends told how the previously active Mrs Willshire – whose first name was Eveline but called herself Barbara – who was also a talented oil painter, had spoken of ongoing health problems that had left her feeling depressed and debilitated in recent months.

They told how she had taken a “turn for the worst” last Thursday and needed oxygen. “She did not look like her normal cheerful self,” one said.

They said Mr Willshire, who worked worked in diplomacy and weapons research, would not have wanted to live without his wife.

The couple, who had three children and several grandchildren, were “good church people” who were active in various local clubs, including the RSL, and sporting organisations.

They loved to travel around Australia and play cards with locals. British-born Mr Willshire also loved tennis and cricket.

WATCH THE POLICE BRIEFING:

“They were a beautiful couple – it was a love story, really,” one neighbour said.

“Dennis was a devoted husband. He was such a lovely man. We’re all in a mystery about what happened and whether they planned it.

“But Barbara had been speaking like that for a while. That would have depressed Dennis also because he would do anything for her.

“She was a very good painter. She won awards. We had a great friendship.”

Another married couple, who had been friends with the Willshires for more than 30 years, described them as “very nice people” who “did a lot for the community”.

“You can imagine we’re a bit knocked out about all this,” the man said. “We did a lot of things together as older people. It’s a big shock to us, of course.”

His wife added: “We’ve been friends for a long, long time. It’s hard to accept that they’re gone, I can’t still believe it.

“They mixed in the village well and a lot of people knew them. They were a very friendly couple.

“They used to spur us on to do things. If you wanted to know anything, you asked Dennis because he was a very bright person.”

Police investigating the deaths of Dennis and Barbara Willshire outside their Glynde home. Picture: Brenton Edwards

The man said Barbara’s health had “gone downhill”.

“She was unwell and Dennis was very distressed about the situation,” the woman said.

The couple had moved into their home to be closer to their best friends.

“This place became vacant and Barbara said ‘Look, you should come’,” she said.

Another resident said “they were very nice people, I used to nod to them”.

An elderly neighbour said she was “really distressed, really distressed”.

“I’m feeling jittery,” she said. “Of course we will feel it, everyone knew them.”

The bodies of Dennis and Barbara Willshire were found inside their house at Glynde, but their cause of death has not been released. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Margaret Pittman, 88, who lives in a nearby property in the same village, said the news of the deaths was “appalling” and had left her “horrified”.

“Good grief, I’m flabbergasted,” she said.

“I’m very sorry to hear it … it’s one of those things you don’t face every day.

“I hope to hell it doesn’t happen again, it’s awful.

“For people to feel that bad for that sort of thing happens, that’s sad.”

Eastern District officer-in-charge, Superintendent Matt Nairn, said a staff member raised the alarm.

“At this stage, we can determine that we believe it is a murder suicide and we believe the man has killed his wife and then taken his own life,” Supt Nairn said.

He said the elderly parents’ children had been informed of their deaths.

There was a smell of gas at the scene but it was “not an implicating factor” in the tragedy.

Major Crime detectives in the quiet cul-de-sac. Picture: Andrew Hough

Detectives and forensic officers were seen in the quiet cul-de-sac, which has more than a dozen modern little duplex homes with well-manicured gardens. Homes are leased occupied.

Officers seized various evidence from the home and the facility’s office. Neighbours and staff were interviewed.

The crime scene was covered by a tent before the bodies were removed just after lunch.

“It is an on going investigation to determine the circumstances of what occurred but it appears rather tragic,” Supt Nairn said.

Supt Nairn did not confirm if weapons were used in the deaths.

“I can’t determine at this stage when it actually occurred … we were actually called to that location by staff at the nursing home,” he said.

“As you can imagine, this is very tragic for a family.”

He said they were in the early stages of the investigation but there was nothing to indicate a history of domestic violence.

A spokeswoman for LHI Retirement Services said workers and residents will be offered counselling.

A report is being prepared for the state coroner.