[bryanlarsen]

If the death was something mundane for somebody born in 1947 (a heart attack for example), then you're engaging in #1 which doesn't belong on Hacker News.

If the death is something juicy like drugs or suicide, then you're engaging in #2. You don't have to be malicious to spread malicious chatter.

[lukeschlather]

A heart attack at 64 is mundane to be sure, but I think it would be worth knowing. The article's anecdote about eating sugar on pizza might present an object lesson for the people left to carry on his legacy if his death related to a heart condition.

In any case, I don't think blindly ignoring his faults, whatever they may be, is the best way to celebrate his life. People are usually great in spite of and even because of their faults. Ignoring them doesn't really give a good picture of the person.