I know he would have attended, but he also honored a committment for a charity event made long in advance. He was in an impossible position and either canceling at the last minute, or not attending the funeral...both would have been a bad visual and upset large amounts of people. There was no winning this situation.
What is important is life-long friendship with Nimoy. Also, everyone grieves in their own way and not everyone can attend an unexpected funeral. I'm sure Shatner will find a way to say goodbye to his friend in his own way. Those who are publicly criticizing him should take care of their own business and let him take care of his. 4951