MODS - this thread has served its purpose for me - could I ask you to delete pls? Thanks
Public forums should not work like that!
It would be totally chaotic if every thread poster could arbitrarily decide later that threads should disappear. Respondents have contributed their time and thoughts, and I think they expect their contributions to remain for other people to read in the future.
I have spent hours on some of my posts replying to requests in the past. I would be really miffed if the people who started those threads were then able to just 'throw them away' because they had no further use for them!
Anyway ... I'm sorry to hear about your friend. I hope the funeral is some solace to his family and friends.