I personally haven't had to deal with this sort of situation, but I have heard that "redistribution" of bonsai is generally best through the person's club or through close bonsai friends/aquaintances. Family may or may not be the best method (as you mentioned, as members may not be particularly interested/skilled/devoted). Another way is to a local (public) bonsai collection, perhaps at a conservatory or arboretum.

- Audric

In my experience, people tend to auction the bonsai. It is the fairest way of redistributing the trees, and serves the added benefit of raising some case (in some cases a LOT of cash) for survivors who would otherwise not be interested in the trees.

- Alex
www.bonsainut.com