This has hit me rather hard. I read The Wasp Factory in the eighties when I was in school and it started a relationship with Banks that has lasted 25 years. I've read his fiction and his sci-fi, and loved every word, every idea. The literary world is losing a colossus.
In the words of the song, Wha's like us? Damn few, and they're a' deid.
Ach, very unfortunate news. However, I couldn't help but crack a grin at this: "Typical of Iain to propose marriage to his partner Adele with the words 'Will you do me the honour of becoming my widow?'"