I'm so sorry to hear that, Vern.
I don't believe there really is anything to can do to truly prepare, but simply accept it & grieve in your own way.
The hurt will lessen in time.
My step mother unexpectedly died about a year and a half ago. I can't explain what I felt, but I went through it in my own way.
My father died a long time ago when I was a teenager. I was less prepared for that, but was ultimately happy for him that his long suffering from sickness ended.
I know this is little consolation, but if you ever need to talk, you know how to get a hold of me.