Good words as usual on Mudcat, Gnu. I'm sorry to hear about your friend.
Some years ago my best friend over thirty years died form stomach cabcer. We drove down to Lincolnshire to say 'goodbye' and I ended up being bollocked for being a crap parent, among other things, and waving cheerio as we pulled away. There always will be 'different strokes' but having a good friend like yourself is always a good thing.
Take care and all the best from Charlie.