Just wondering

I just got an email from some Christian organization upon whose email list I have no idea how I was placed. The email basically said that they join with others in sorrow for the "untimely passing" of Jerry Falwell. I have always wondered about that phrase and application. In this case, the man was 73 years old and had heart problems. When would his passing NOT have been timely? When he is too old to walk, is laying in a hospital bed soiling himself because he can't get up to go to the bathroom? When is a death considered "timely"?