George,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your wrote such as eloquent piece...Today, I lost my father-in-law..he was 89 years old..since my own dad died 30 years ago, he was "my dad"..we never really know why things happen and are probably are never prepared for them, not matter what their age or reason.
We cry for ourselves...the ones that are left behind. I truly believe they are both in a better place and at peace. That's what keeps me going...
Annie