Spud, I've had a few beloved cats in my life and it always aches to say goodbye to them. They are, each and every one, small wonders. Your Tiger sounds wonderful, independent and yet loving. How lucky you are to have had such a splendid fella to share some time with. I currently have a huge Maine Coon cat named Luke living with me ... and I try not to think about how fleeting the time together can be.
Take care, my friend.
"With the qualities of cleanliness, affection, patience, dignity, and courage that cats have, how many of us, I ask you, would be capable of becoming cats?" - Fernand Mery