Fred,
I just came across your thread. I'm truly sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. He sounds like such an interesting person and one that I'm sure you are very proud of. Losing a parent is indeed a grueling process, but it's a step we all take along our journey. My mother was found to have uterine cancer (or ovarian - I'm unsure) while she was pregnant with me, and refused a hysterectomy which may have saved or prolonged her life. She chose death rather than taking mine. She died when I was one year old, so I never got to know her. My Dad died about 10 years ago and, although I didn't know him very well, I had to care for him after he suffered a stroke. It was the hardest thing I've had to go though in my life.
Cling to the wonderful memories you have of him, and be aware that he lives on in the form of his son.
My sincerest condolences, my friend.
Rick