Check on your friends, especially the stubborn ones that don't tell you anything

Good friend of mine passed last night.  He and my gf were even closer and he was her oldest's godfather (we all went to high school together.)

Still finding out what happened, but he had health issues that he didn't tell many people about. 

Mr_Asa,

My condolences for the loss of your good friend.  My heart goes out to you and his friends & family.

I had a similar experience recently.  My brother and I hadn't had the best of relationships, but I did try.  And although he'd withdrawn from me and many other close friends, I was still able to keep track of what was going on with him through a couple of close friends.  Unfortunately, they found my brother passed away this last November after not being able to get a hold of him.  I owe them a debt that I don't know that I could ever repay; - in terms of keeping in touch with him and checking on him.  

I'm sorry for your loss. 
 

My mother died of kidney failure. We didn't know she had kidney issues. Turns out her doctor had recommended dialysis months before.
 

I was pretty mad at her at first. She was too proud to ask for help, and her life could have been extended. 
 

Then my aunt pointed out that she made a lot of choices about how she died, and died exactly the way she wanted. She didn't want to be dependent on others taking her to dialysis several times a week, losing more and more capability, eventually wasting away with jaundice or blindness or just overall deterioration. She was a proud woman, and kept her dignity until the end. 
 

I don't know the whole story about your friend, but I know I've come around to appreciate the way my mother chose to live, and the way she chose to die. 
 

I'm sorry for your loss.