Yes, sad news indeed. Stan was 86 and had been in hospital, and it looked as if a care package would be needed for him in future. This loss of independence wouldn't have suited him, as anyone who knew him will testify. He used to boast an absence of doctor's visits, ate healthily and couldn't abide any fuss or 'are you alright? Do you need any help? questioning.
From the original 4-person Bothy Folk Group (main stage at Cambridge Fest.1966 with among others, Hedy West, Doc Watson and Alex Campbell; 2-day ticket £1) that leaves just Christine Jones from the lineup, Tony Wilson having passed in 2004 and Dave Boardman in 2005 as John points out above.
The club they started and the standards they set are still in place - it's what keeps us focused and without the pioneers, us settlers would have nothing to live up to.
I have no details of arrangements or indeed, the circumstances of Stan's departure but will be more expansive on this forum as soon as I/we learn more.

I was invited onto Tony Snell's breakfast show on BBC Radio Merseyside this morning but it was necessarily just a few minutes interview. Stan being the station's longest-serving presenter made regional TV and radio bulletins yesterday and it is obvious that he was highly regarded as a true professional and a dedicated radio man. The station was an ideal environment for him - his second home, literally. I don't think he ever had a campbed in studio 1 but the hours he spent there are legendary. Tony this AM said "we called him the quiet man." In that he kept himself to himself a lot around the BBC hierarchy I can see his point, but Stan off-air was anything but silent! Intensely passionate about music, politics, society - everything that mattered; I can't think of him without the arm-waving, hand-wringing, brow-wrinkling and sheer enthusiasm when becoming engaged by things of consequence.

He sang at Bothy's 50th birthday party last year and popped in to the Belvedere Thursday session not long back but he was slowing up. His mid-80s age was catching up I think. Well, I hope his beloved FolkScene programme will continue - it was often threatened with being retired but he and Geoff Speed always managed to fight that off. I'd also like to think that the station will consider a proper and lengthy tribute programme as being appropriate too? They can count me in for certain.

They haven't made 'em like Stan Ambrose now for some years and it's to our loss. His harp playing is surely being appreciated now at higher levels!