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Suicide clinic couple were 'devoted to each other'
Ben Bailey14 Jul 2009
Renowned conductor Sir Edward Downes and his wife, who died together in an assisted suicide clinic, were devoted to each other, the musician's manager said today.
Paying tribute to 85-year-old Sir Edward and 74-year-old Lady Joan Downes, Jonathan Groves said the couple's decision to end their lives at the Swiss organisation Dignitas was "typically brave and courageous".
The pair, who had been battling serious health problems, died peacefully at the clinic in Zurich on Friday, their family said.
Sir Edward, who worked with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Opera House, was almost blind and had suffered hearing loss.
Mr Groves, who had known the conductor for 35 years, said: "It was a shock to all his friends and colleagues because it was something he and Joan planned very much within their family.
"None of us were aware this was going to happen until after they had died.
"It was very typical of the way he lived his life. I do not think there is anyone anywhere who has lived his life with more self-determination than Ted (Sir Edward) did.
"The decision that he and Joan made to end their lives in the way they did was a very typically brave and courageous decision. They were absolutely devoted to each."
Mr Groves, of management company Ingpen and Williams Ltd, said Lady Downes, a former ballet dancer, had become "very ill" and Sir Edward was suffering the ailments of very old age.
In a statement, their son and daughter, Caractacus and Boudicca, said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our parents Edward and Joan Downes on Friday 10th July.
"After 54 happy years together, they decided to end their own lives rather than continue to struggle with serious health problems.
"They died peacefully and under circumstances of their own choosing, with the help of the Swiss organisation Dignitas, in Zurich.
"Our father, who was 85 years old, almost blind and increasingly deaf, had a long, vigorous and distinguished career as a conductor.
"Our mother, who was 74, started her career as a ballet dancer and subsequently worked as a choreographer and TV producer, before dedicating the last years of her life to working as our father's personal assistant.
"They both lived life to the full and considered themselves to be extremely lucky to have lived such rewarding lives, both professionally and personally.
"Our parents had no religious beliefs and there will be no funeral.
"They will be missed by Caractacus, Boudicca, Omar and Zeki, as well as by many family members and friends."
