It doesn't surprise me that some saw him as a threat, he was too well known, a great speaker and loved by many, but he never quite fit the JW "mold", they couldn't have anyone like that have that much power. I suspected as much at the time but didn't ever hear exactly what happened.
It also doesn't surprise me that he didn't condemn you for leaving, sadelder, he was a truly good and kind person, not judgemental at all. I am so glad I saw your post, otherwise I wouldn't have know he passed away.