Edward Downes after his health declined following a hip replacement. Lady Downes was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer that metastasised to her liver, and given only weeks to live. Lady Downes wrote a letter to family explaining that she had decided against treatment and that: Sir Edward, aged 85, and Lady Downes, aged 74, ended their lives by assisted suicide at the Dignitas clinic in Zürich, Switzerland, on 10 July 2009. Although Joan did not want the children present, Dignitas encouraged it and "Ted and Joanie" were reported to be pleased when the time came. Their children issued a statement speaking of
Garry Downes Garry Downes Garry Keith Downes (born 7 January 1944) is a former judge of the Federal Court of Australia and former President of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. Downes attended Newington College (1956-1960) and graduated from the University of Sydney Law School in 1967. His first job was as associate to then Chief Justice of Australia, Sir Garfield Barwick. Downes was called to the Australian Bar in 1970 and appointed Queen's Counsel in 1983. He was also a member of the English Bar. His practice was concentrated on commercial law, administrative law and international arbitration. Downes was Chairman of the Federal