As I see it, this thread is about grief, and in particular Dan's grief.
And an exploration of what grief actually is, how it relates to love for the lost one and how one comes to terms with it.

I'm sure Dan is very sad at the moment, and misses his friends very much.

Perhaps it isn't kind to pooh-pooh sentiment and religion, to talk about one's own death or to mention the profiteering grief industry etc.

I think Dan needs our support and condolences.