Seems like a good deal for you, I wouldn't feel bad at all. And it's not like your colleagues are dead - you can always meet up with them (well assuming you're that close to them, anyway). Congratulations on more money.
I believe Wals employed some of those colleagues so by taking a job for "the man" and making them unemployed, he feels bad. I could be wrong.
Oh, and congrats Wals, a 15% annual raise is huge! Now go get your roof fixed.