When people pass away that we know, particularily famous ones, it's pretty much the only time we look at their life objectively. The pros are respected in reverance, and the cons are mentioned as a matter of perspective.
Nobody lives their life perfectly, but when someone passes on, we all give our respects to a fellow human being who has taken the final step on the great journey. They don't need to be diefied, but they are certainly entitled to be remembered for their contributions to history.
Yours,
Sheila