But Jeffrey Spector did not just end his life.
On the eve of his assisted death at Dignitas, a facility in Zurich, Switzerland, he had what turned out to be ‘his last supper’, with members of his family, including his 53 year old wife.
In the photograph published by Mail Online today, Spector, flashing some smiles, is surrounded by his smiling family and friends.
He could be any father enjoying a meal out, Mail Online said.
But 16 hours after the photograph was taken, 54-year-old Jeffrey Spector killed himself at a Swiss clinic, telling his heartbroken children: ‘I know I am going too early.’
The married father of three feared the inoperable tumour growing on his spine would leave him paralysed from the neck down at any moment.
Unable to contemplate a future trapped in his own body and dependent on others, the successful businessman described suicide as his ‘least worst option’. With his wife, Elaine by his side, he took a fatal dose of barbiturates and passed on.
Mr Spector said his family had urged him not to kill himself, but he said the prospect of permanent paralysis unbearable.
Last night Elaine and the couple’s three daughters said they were ‘in a state of all-consuming grief’, but added: ‘As a family we supported and respected Jeffrey’s decision 100 per cent. ‘Jeffrey ended his life with dignity and control which was his overwhelming desire.’
In an eloquent and moving final interview from Zurich, he said: ‘I wanted control of the final stages of my life. I was a fit and healthy person and my life has been turned upside down. What started as back ache in 2008 soon developed into an illness which led me to having to make this most awful decision.’
He said his family had asked him to reconsider but insisted he believed his decision was ‘the least worst option, which is best for my family in the long term’.
He added: ‘I am going before my time but I am not scared. The tumour could stabilise but I cannot take that chance.
Dignitas has helped 273 Britons die so far and Spector ‘ s death will reignite the debate on the right of an individual to commit suicide.
The organisation said 273 Britons had killed themselves with its help in its first 16 years, compared to 920 Germans and 194 French.
Dignitas was founded in 1998 to help people with terminal and incurable illnesses to kill themselves in Switzerland, where assisted suicide is permitted in specific circumstances.
‘Patients’ must prove they are of sound judgment and be able to administer a lethal dose of a drug themselves.
In 2010 the organisation’s fees were said to be almost £3,200 for preparations and the assisted suicide, rising to more than £6,500 for those wanting funerals, medical costs and other fees covered.
‘Some people will criticise me but do not judge me. Never judge anyone unless you have worn their shoes”, Spector said.
*Story rewritten from Daily Mail. PHOTOS: Daily Mail