Glenn, that is funny about your webmaster problems, the one who passed away and the one who tried to keep your domain.
I recently got a check from a Boston Restaurant, their webdesigner passed away and they did not know it. I found them using a technique discussed earlier in these pages and informed them why they could not get in touch with him and of course he had the domain in his name. The restaurant owner was impressed that I found out and would help him get his domain back, he sent me a check for $75 and has a project he wants me to do in the future.
He already has someone to do his current site however.
Trevor