I know that kind of loss myself. "Dino" was there for me for 17 years also. It really stings, and you think about them at least once a day. A piece of me died with him, and ever since then I just don't cry at funerals any more.
It's been almost 7 years and I still miss him. I want to honor/tribute him in someway but I have no good ideas.
You should paint a tribute for your friend....and maybe my friend too, sitting side-by-side.