Agreed. My father was estranged and took his life. I do feel robbed of a chance for us to start over. Your children very well could reach out to you, or you to them when the time is right. But not if you are not around.
My father being estranged and taking his life did not make it easier than if we had a real relationship. I'm sure in some ways that would be worse, buy in some ways this is worse.