[RJT]

There’s a good chance that the person would have apologized earlier, but didn’t have the courage to do so – too embarrassed or whatever.

Another good probability is that with death approaching, the person finally “got it - that things came into perspective. He realized what matters and what had been nonsense prior to this point in his life.

I’d consider those types of issues and decide how I felt about the apology.

Personally, regardless of how I felt about the sincerity; I’d accept the apology and let the man die in what he would think was peace. The Truth of the matter wouldn’t really make a difference – he’d get the same relief either way. It would only matter to me – the survivor. I’d feel good about how I handled it. I’d either feel comfortable if it were an actual forgiveness or in thinking that at least I gave him some comfort despite my not being able to actually forgive.