Story Idea - Down Memory Lane

Chap is close to committing suicide when he remembers an old teacher of his who tells him to repay his debts - one way or another - before he dies. Even a kind word can help, a small deed can help, he said. He decides to meet the teacher to whom he feels he owes a debt. When he goes to meet his teacher he finds the teacher is dead. How does he repay the teacher's debt now?

I am not sure what he will do to repay the debt at this point but it does open up many interesting possibilities.