OMG!
I really feel for this guy, i lost my brother 5+ years ago and had similar problems with employers, i lost one job for not being responsive enough in the work place. i was personally out of action for a good 12 - 18 months after and was a mess mentally, shock like this can and does have a profound effect on the ability to cope.
I don't know how or why companies feel you can get over the trauma of losing such a close family member in a short period of time, to put on that sales face as if nothing had happened and then to penalise a depressed guy for not being able to face the usual rubbish of dealing with john q public, who on a good day in sales make you feel like you have to pucker up and kiss butt to get a sale, or on a bad day just want to complain about there order of tiles being late.
There is no such thing in this country as compassionate leave any more, companies just want their pound of flesh while they are paying you and if you become unable to cope then you get axed for one or more trivial reasons like this, where it was obvious to the company he was going to have problems for quite some time to come and they acted to get rid of him as soon as possible.
This happens to people all over the country everyday, its not fair its not legal and its not right, stick up for your rights and take these companies to tribunal we have working rights here for a reason.
Lastly Mark Morrison if you are reading this, i wish you all the best of luck in the future, i can only suggest to contact http://www.mind.org.uk/ for any help they maybe able to give you, if you need it. Take care and be well.