Wow, Selena, he sounds like an absolutely amazing man. Mentor, husband, behavioral paragon, and "father." Without getting too esoteric, I think you're totally right about his "children" in this life having been his students. I hope he recognized this also and found fulfillment in it, without mourning the type of fatherhood he didn't get.

At the same time, I can relate to what you say about your grief over the friendship being linked to your fondness for the era when the friendship was born. I can relate too, in my own way. I'm sorry for both of your losses. But I also understand why you distanced yourself from this friend and think it's admirable to uphold boundaries based on your values like that. 💜