My grandfather collected books his whole life. Filled several rooms in their house with thousands of books floor to ceiling. First editions signed copies and limited printings. His closest friend George was the same with Records, amassing over 100k. Both passed leaving the liquidation to their emotionally distraught wife's, who just wanted them out of the house as it was a constant reminder of their loss. For my grandfather and his closest friend, it was all about the chase of finding new pieces to add to their collection. Neither stopped to think about their legacy and how it should be handled when they were gone. Planning for charitable donations, gifts to loved ones, working with a trusted dealer or auction house all would have been better than leaving it to a family that is grieving to figure out.
While I am sure he enjoyed the journey, Ken's obsession took a big toll on his family.