Sad news
That's very sad news.
He was greatly respected here in the UK, just as he was about everywhere there were turners. Of course I've only ever seen his work in photographs, and obviously never met him, but i've enjoyed looking at his work and reading articles about him from old magazines and books over the last three years. I guess he's left his mark worldwide, which is far more than most of us will ever achieve.
I hope the old guy got to take his gouges with him.
Andy