smootrk said:I think it is a little macabre to celebrate death...
I would suggest we not confuse what we celebrate with the day upon which we celebrate it. I spend the day my brother passed away thinking fond thoughts of him, and it isn't macabre in the slightest. And the concept of a celebratory wake isn't exactly new.
As practical points, if we move the date, everyone is going to clearly remember that it isn't the original, given the timing of his passing - so you don't really get to dodge the macabre bullet. And March is usually devoid of holidays and summertime busy-ness, which may make it more observable.