Jim, I agree, a perfect storm for sure. I'm not sure the casual listener/fan knows what a huge part Martin played from the creative aspect. He himself was a musician/arranger and broke ground using "found" sounds and multi-tracking before either of those became commonplace.
On top of that, he was using a 4-track board, so the multiplying of tracks was very hands-on and creative on his part.
Produced great music and lived to the age of 90, so no tears for Sir George, just celebration of a life well lived and all the joy he spread through his genius.