I think the quote is more along the lines that he was the tired and depressed, he did not fear death (nothing to live for) nor what was on the other side (no fear of hell, it's heaven, or annihilation)

Now, he has something to live for (pegs and other friends) and he now fears death, or maybe more correctly undeath as is Randy and others.

But, like KC says, my hat is so big it falls down over the eyes...