Hey Bud,
I feel your pain. As he has not yet debuted in my diary, I do not have to grapple with the decision. I have to agonize over it until he comes in. Maybe by then I will have a better feel for which way to go.
I think most of us have been dealt a huge blow this week. Not only do we have to deal with his and his families deaths. We also must stomach the fact that they came about in such a tragic way at the hands of someone most of us held in high esteem. I think the way that we each will choose to deal with this will depend on us as individuals. I for one will not be offended by his continuing in your diary. Or if you choose, the exclusion from it. That is entirely up to you. As I have said before, this is your story to tell.
Have a good day Nevy!