My first "encounter" with death was when Elvis died, when I was 5. It was the first time I was confronted with the idea that even the people I knew would eventually die. (As strange as it may sound coming from someone who practically grew up in a cemetery.)
That and Lennon's death 3 years later are some of the most vivid memories of my childhood.
Of course, there were others afterwards. Waking up to the news of Cobain's alleged suicide left me in a daze for a few days. And just recently, Bowie, who was arguably my favorite living pop artist, was also a huge shock.
So, as I said, I totally get the idea of wanting to mark the occasion, to gather one's thoughts and reflect on the influence that an inspiring artist has had on their lives.
As a matter of fact, I am constantly tipping my hat to people who inspire me, acknowledging influences, reflecting on how much their work is a crucial part of my own development as a musician, and sometime even as a human being. Though I don't wait for them to pass away.
That being said, I can't really wrap my head around the need to worship other human beings. I really think that some people lack a sense of nuance and emotional maturity.
Which is why I can't help but fee as though a lot of the lamenting is only a tribune for people to call attention to themselves.