Actually Bobby, we didn't "loose" MM in the same way. But yes, he is not longer involved due to physical limitations.
I was totally demolished when I got the news about Curtis. It took me over a year before I could listen to a certain few songs we worked on together. Things like this one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLQNq9_ozaU still bring a lump to my throat.
And you are absolutely right, it's heartbreaking when we loose people we've worked with. I've lost a few good friends and fantastic musicians over the years, had a bass player whom was one of the people who pushed me into actually playing some of the originals I had composed out and about when gigging, fall during a gig. Basically his heart exploded, the most horrific night of my life.
Each and every piece of music we create together, it's a memory or a culmination of memories and sentiments that are special, I firmly believe that. When I go back and listen to the CD's or even just the project files, it brings back conversations and feelings every single time.
I am certain each and every one of them are jamming and trading stories and holding a spot for us.