My condolences to your friend. Bad enough he lost his life partner; adding the extra layer of foreign country is like rubbing salt in the wound. (We spent over 2 yrs. in the Republic of Korea in the 80s, pre-Olympics, so I have some context.)
I'm glad he's reconnected with your cycling group; I hope that gives him the outlet he needs.
Please offer him my sympathies for his loss. I wish him all the best.