Exactly. I think if you base Severus off of canon at all then he's a tragic character. I just can't see him ever being happy - I don't think he has that kind of luck or talent in life. But he doesn't deserve to die for nothing.
He's flawed and brave, with the kind of mind set that will allow him to do anything it takes to get what he wants. And what he wants more than anything, more than life, is to defeat Voldemort and protect Harry. And in his death there's a sort of redemption for him.
I'm glad you like my Severus *sigh* because as you can tell, I absolutely love him.