Transition is a much better word for it. Why do we have to give it the 'death' label I wonder?
I felt the same thing with my father's transition, though it took a few years before I was able to stop feeling sorry for myself and re-connect with him. And now he is with me always :)
Going to rehab was my liberation. They taught us to look inward and the first thing my councillor asked me to do was to write a letter to my father which was later burned. It was at this same clinic where I discovered 'The Secret' and life hasn't been the same since.
Happy days :)