My condolences on the passing of your husband. I'm not sure if his passing can be made into a positive memory, everyones experiences with loss and grief is different. But I think that if his medical needs were in that room, it would likely be of mental benefit to clear that out. Clean the room of any remaining sickness air. But beyond that, I can't really offer much- you and/or your family may feel they want to keep g'pa's room more as-is for a while or might want to turn the room completely out. Or a range of in between.

I am so sorry for your loss. i would engage your grandkids‘ help picking out sofa pillows, lamps, rug rug, accessories, emphasizing it will be ”our” room to spend time together. A beautifully framed photo of grandpa in happier times with them will keep his memory in the room.

You can absolutely make it a positive memory. Is there any way to rearrange the layout of the furniture? That would could make the biggest impact on making the space feel different. Have them help you decorate it. They can add things they like. The more time they spend in there the more it will become a new space with positive associations.

My parents passed away a long time ago now, but after my dad passed away my mom cleared a lot of his stuff from our home, but kept a few items that were quintessential "Dad/Grandpa".

The classic Herman Miller lounge chair my mom had bought for my dad

The taxidermy trout he caught on a fishing trip in Canada and

A piece of art that he had hanging in his office (vintage electronic circuit boards from a Burroughs AN/FST-2 computer used in the SAGE air defense system during the 1960s.)

My mom also had one of her favorite pictures of my dad enlarged and framed that she placed in our dining room.

You don't need to keep everything. A few select pieces that he particularly liked are enough to keep his memory alive.

I remember when my greatgrandmother died. I was young and I didn't want to go into the bedroom. My grandmother replaced the bedding and it calmed me. When my dad died, I had to great rid of his mattress. Same feeling, which I know, now, could be attributed to the last piece of furniture on which they laid. One would think that would bring comfort, but not for me and maybe not for your greats. Kids don't understand death.

What did bring me comfort were the smalls...my dad's watch, my grandmother's locket. Find a treasure for your greats...maybe a photo of him with all of them, framed. Spread them out on the new couch. Everyone gets to take something home. There are always sweet stories to tell when they visit (and sit on the new couch).

You are so sensitive to recognize their loss.