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
Golden (Kit Downes Trio album) Golden (Kit Downes Trio album) Golden is the debut album by the acoustic jazz Kit Downes Trio. It was released in 2009 by Basho Records and was shortlisted for the 2010 Mercury Prize. The trio of pianist Kit Downes, bassist Calum Gourlay and drummer James Maddren had been together since 2005, when they were studying at the Royal Academy of Music. This was their first recording together. Seven of the tracks were written by Downes; Gourlay composed "Roots". "Golden" was released in September 2009 by Basho Records. The AllAboutJazz reviewer concluded that "The quality of writing and performance on this