My condolences.

I try to consistently remind myself, it is the journey, and not the destination.

I agree, and sometimes lose sight of this. I often find myself so busy creating goals lists and rushing from one thing to the next that I don't stop to just take a look around.

Sad story, but what the hell does this have to do with startups or technology ??

Your startup (or business) will likely consume your every waking moment. If you aren't careful, you might miss the ride.

It's sad if it takes the death of a friend for you to realize that.

It is, but sometimes we get so overwhelmed by what we're doing that we lose track of what's important. (My hunch is that you probably do the same from time to time.)