Are there any other modern companies with a fanbase that is so important to its image/marketing that an article like this would be written? Can't imagine one for Microsoft, Facebook, google, etc...
It's one of the many reasons I own AAPL shares. They have such a great following with many people who would never even consider moving away from Apple products and shun other brands. I don't see this changing for a long while.
Probably could happen with Gibson and Fender, maybe some smaller brands too. Depending on high profile a person might be, they could likely get commemorative treatment. As for being a 'fan' there are plenty of collectors that would make the news should their gear collection remain intact after they pass away.
I mean McDonalds has a guy like this, eats 2 bigmacs a day and has been to 6 billion different McDonalds.