Telling though, isn't it.
The collective addiction to celebrity shows up even in a context like this one.
Indeed, this is a vexing problem.
Role models influence so much of peoples' behavior, that I fear they are needed to change what is considered success. But the people suited to be role models rarely want to be.
I don't know the answer, but hope some of these kinds of people would allow themselves to be (reluctantly) also celebrated.
I see where you are coming from, but that's exactly missing the point. The article is about somebody who wouldn't have wanted to be celebrated by you. Who just wanted to live his life, out of the spotlight. By elevating him and his live to celebration status, that's the oppposite of what he would have wanted. Recognize, sure. A nod in passing, then move on.