Glad for the success in finding the right song. I would have suggested "Special Absent Friends" which though different is along similar lines but addressed to many who have gone on before. I have heard the song only by Speed Limit, a country duo from the British Isles, until today when searching youtube for a link to post here. Knowing nothing about the origins of the song I accepted the Speed Limit song as a tribute to those known and loved from earlier times. Some of the youtube videos seemed to have political overtones.

Special Absent Friends

Our Special Absent Friends

The time has come to say good night
For every road must end
To the ones who care and are always there
Our very special friends

Lets say good night to those we love
And maybe shed a tear
But before we close
Lets think of those
We love who cant be here

Lets raise our hands (a glass) to absent friends
For every road must end
You'll always be there in our hearts
Our special absent friends

And when its time for us to go
And our long journey ends
You'll never be alone you see
You'll be with absent friends

Lets raise our hands (a glass) to absent friends
For every road must end
You'll always be there in our hearts
Our special absent friends.