I do not think he was ever the same after his stroke at the age of 59. Or maybe it was the move from Chicago to LA. Upon looking up the dates, I would say clearly the latter. Sorry LA.
That's what made him so different. He respected people, he was a supporter of making those around him happy, he helped others achieve success, he enjoyed life, and he changed the world. Very impressive life lived regardless if he did it thru sexual content and journalism or if he did it thru farming or as a mailman.