I've nothing against obits - you find out interesting new stuff about people you thought you knew already, and you find out about interesting people you missed out on hearing about while they were alive. I'd say the more the merrier, except that doesn't sound respectful in the circs.

My only gripe is when people stick up threads with just the name of someone I admire and value, and I open it assuming that they have died, when in fact it's just about some concert or record. I mean, that's a happy outcome, but I don't like being alarmed that way.