Penny Lane.
Seriously though, I was 12 at the time, and none of my family were Beatles fans, so it didn't really strike me as that much of a big deal. However, as I grew older and started to study his work in more detail, it now makes me realise what a tragic loss it was.
Another 'however' however, away from his work / talent, I have also formed the opinion that the guy was a hypocryte, writing anti-violence / anti-greed music, whilst beating his girlfriends, and driving around in Rollers & Mercs.
Just my opinion. But still a tragic loss all the same.