I don't think that's at all improper to say. [there's a gentleness in his tone, and he keeps a hand on Varian's shoulder, a tethering point of contact]

I can be incredibly grateful that I have been afforded the opportunity to have met and gotten to know you and also lament the terrible circumstances that have brought it to fruition. [he squeezes his shoulder gently]

And I am. Grateful, that is, to have met you and though the circumstance may be terrible, I'm glad if I can help you through them in any way.