Haven't read much science fiction since my teens, but, from the sound of this obit, I'd have to say this was a guy who lived a fascinating, exciting, and very fulfilling life. Moreover, for a guy whose enthusiasms stretched to the boundaries of imagination, the Final Adventure would not have been a matter of dread, but rather an opportunity to explore the true breadth of possible experience. IMHO, he should be sent off with a toast, not a tear.
And And I haven't STOPPED reading sci-fi since then....I probably have paid for one of his kids college tuition over that time..
I echo your sentiments about his life...so sad.
You should read David Drakes "Hammer's Slammers" series if you like Sci-Fi with a hard core military viewpoint.