Shoot, I've babbled on far longer and made far less sense than that before!!!
I had a similar experience with a close friend dying unexpectedly. Unfortunately I didn't use the experience as well as you are. I continued on my reckless path for several more years, but I have always felt that somehow he is there looking down on me, waiting for me to get it right. Understand this is from a guy who doesn't believe in heaven or hell or even God, with a capital G!! But like you, I still felt it.
BTW, good on ya for looking out for your mate, and even more for understanding how you need to go about doing it. Also good job only getting a "contact" high and not takin a hit or two "for old times sake". I don't think I would have had the same strength, pot is definately my drug of choice.
All in all, sounds like you're making good progress. Congrats on that!!