Not to highjack this thread commemorating Mr. Rohmer, but Jean-Luc Godard is still with us.
Those French filmmakers live long. Jacques Rivette, Godard, Chris Marker, Alain Resnais - all alive and working and past 75 years of age.
Rohmer lived a full life and left us with an amazing series of films. R.I.P.
Truffaut passed away rather early, though. Only 52, I believe. WAY too early.
Any time is probably too early, but you're right - 52 was WAY too early.