westfw:
6809 was the best 8-bit microprocessor ever made,
You know, Freescale still sells microcontrollers that are pretty 6809-like. Also microcontrollers with a 68000 core ("Coldfire") (my particular favorite, I think.)
TI's MSP430 is a pretty nice architecture as well, in the same sort of CISCy vein...
You prompted me to take a closer look at the Freescale controllers. Since Schmartboard makes an LQFP to DIP board, I decided to try a MC9S12 in a 48 pin package. The instruction set is very much like the 6809, as you point out.