"Unanswered questions" following death of "much-loved, highly-respected" pensioner

Q Radio News

A County Armagh clergyman has said there could be "unanswered questions" after the death of a highly-respected member of his congregation earlier this week.

Father-of-one Victor Pickering was found unconscious at his home at Levaghery Close in Portadown on Wednesday evening. 

The 84-year-old's wife Betty was rushed to hospital for treatment and is said to be in a stable condition. 

There were reports of a smell of gas at the property. 

Police have confirmed they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the tragedy. 

First Portadown Presbyterian Church is offering support to Mrs. Pickering, also in her 80s, and son Paul who has travelled home from overseas ahead of his father's funeral next week. 

Minister the Rev. Robin Brown has said as far as he knows there are unanswered questions about what happened at the family home and the police investigation is continuing. 

He said Mr. Pickering was a much-loved and highly-respected church member.

A service of thanksgiving for the pensioner's life is to be held at the Presbyterian church on Tuesday at noon following a private burial. 

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Rev. Robin Brown statement in full:

"Victor Pickering was a much loved and highly respected member of First Portadown Presbyterian Church.  Victor and Betty were regularly at morning and evening worship and midweek meetings until age and infirmity restricted their mobility.  I was last visiting in their home in March and they were with us at an Evening service around two months ago.

"It was a great shock and a cause of much sadness to learn of Victor's death on Wednesday. As far as I know, there are unanswered questions about what occurred in the family home and a Police investigation is continuing. A priority for us as a fellowship is the on-going pastoral care of Betty who remains ill in hospital and practical support for son Paul as he returns home to begin to finalise plans for his father's funeral. 

"Following a private interment a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Victor will be held in the Church building on Tuesday (18th June) at 12.00pm."