My grandfather was a happy, healthy, golfing banker, enjoying his retirement years, traveling, and loving life.  He was diagnosed with leukemia, and within 4 months went from seemingly healthy to gone, leaving behind a wife of almost 50 years, 3 children, and 7 grandchildren.

My uncle may have been the smartest person I ever knew.  He was also an accomplished musician.  He served in Vietnam, then returned home to endure some family tragedy.  He never had any children, but always gave me the best gifts that challenged me to think.  I attribute my love of learning partially to him.  He was a well-respected lawyer and, just as he found a new love of his life, was diagnosed with a melanoma.  He stoically fought pain and discomfort and died at age 47, just when he should have been looking forward to many more years of happiness.