CapnStoobie:

So sorry for your loss. Like several others here, I too lost a dear friend, an unfortunate auto accident. Not only was he a friend, he was (is) my older brother. We still miss him dearly, as you can imagine.

I have a couple of suggestions:

1. Before auditioning "random" bass players, check to see if there's someone you, or all of you in the band, already know, that may be willing to play. Also, perhaps there is someone else in his family or in one of your families that you could use. There may be a better chance of finding someone with "the same mind set" among people you may already know.

2. If that doesn't work, pick the most likely from your auditioning that you feel good about, and then make him(/her) your new friend. Do things with him, get to know him, invite him to things other than gigs and practices. He will never replace your original friend but he can become another one.

Best of luck in your decision, and don't stop playing.
The world needs more music, less of other things.

LLOYD S