1) yes Moses dies. But think about the context in which Moses dies. a) All the hard work and putting up with a complaining people while he tries to achieve his life's purpose of leading God's people out of slavery into a Land God promised....is now going to come to an end just before they get there?!.
2) Moses gets to see the Land before he dies. I think there is something beautiful about this. A long time ago when I was struggling in ministry some wonderful words were spoken to me. "You don't always get to sit under the trees of the seeds you plant." It is a constant reminder that we are being used by God for God's purpose. It seems cruel for Moses to die before the people recieve the long awaited prized possession but imagine how awesome Moses must have felt to at least glimpse at the place his own heart desired for God's people.
3) God kills Moses. Yep, it is right there, God is the one who takes away Moses life and even buries him. Why?
4) The people mourn for 30 days Moses' death. These are the same people who have grumbled and complained to and about him all this time.
5) Joshua picks up the staff of leadership after Moses death. The people lay hands on Joshua and he is the one who will now lead the people. Joshua had been prepared for this role by Moses himself. More than a mentor-ship, it was a relationship that was learned by imitation.