PUTATAN: The tragedy of their untimely passing wore heavily on the faces of the near 1,000 people who turned up for their funeral, Friday.If anything, it was very evident that Bunsilak Anastasius Sintoh, 69, and his wife Tilis Bibiana Jikoni, 65, who were killed in a horrific road crash while on the way back home on their motorcycle three days ago, meant something to them.It was hardly surprising given that the elderly couple had a big family of their own with 10 children and even bigger extended family besides being active church members.
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In life, the loving couple who was expecting to celebrate their golden jubilee in two years, was devoted Catholics in their church, assisting in Mass as wardens and members of the Legion of Mary. During this month of Advent, they also assisted the church's choir in their carolling rounds ahead of Christmas.
So it was particularly difficult for those who turned up for their funeral at St. Simon's Church in Duvanson especially the manner in which their lives ended.Their second son, Mark, who eulogised them said his father had always loved motorcycles ever since he was young. "Many people asked us why they were on a motorcycle when the accident happened.
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"It is hard to explain because my father had always preferred to go anywhere, with my mother, on his motorcycle even though we have cars," he said.During the homily, parish rector Fr. Peter Abas urged the children of Anastasius and Bibiana to forgive those who wantonly shared the photos of the gruesome accident through social media and to carry the good names of their parents throughout their lives.
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The couple was killed in a four-vehicle accident at the Sigah roundabout in Penampang shortly after they had made a trip to the Donggongon market, together.Caption: Family members and friends at the funeral service at St Simon Church yesterday.