River Rat,
My sympathies, your friend replaced someone who was on the river before him, and someone will fill his now empty spot on the river as well. It's the fond memories that you share of those days together that will keep him alive in your hearts.
I've always said that when I pass over the river Jordan, there had better be steelhead and salmon in it, cause if there isn't any fishing in heaven then there isn't any heaven! or, your in the other place.
I hope he is enjoying the best fishing ever!