It is funny that we don’t always recognize how a person has affected us until they are gone from us. Especially when it happens with no warning.

you won't have the opportunity for an additional commission upon his employment at the new gig. It takes a real effort to parlay a sure placement for someone of that age anymore, regardless of experience, education, and "good fit." Your personal "bonding" might indeed have been a rare thing in which you could both be vulnerable and honest with each other as well, and for that I am very sorry for your loss of his friendship.

it sounds horribly insulting

I considered him a friend and I got him a job. Not sure what is wrong with that.

A close friend of many years who lived in another state died unexpectedly of a heart attack at the age of 56.
Although I'm sure he knew how I loved him like a brother, and valued his friendship,
I wish I had told him more often.

It's interesting how/why we meet people. If I had seen him somewhere else I wouldn't have thought twice about reaching out to him. Just another person. But since I got to know him... it makes me realize just how diverse and amazing people can be.

you connected with and obviously cared about.

take care.

...and the older we get, the more we experience this. My deepest condolences to you, friends are like personal treasures that cannot be replaced.

Thank you.