Hambone:
I respect a lot that you had the courage to share your experience with us. I hope you can make the last phase of your father's life as enjoyable as possible under the circumstances.
I don't really have a close relationship with my father (or any, the last time we talked is 25 years ago), but my mother has been more than a mother and a father in one person and we communicate daily even if we live far apart in this world). My mother is slowly getting closer to the time when ailments become more and more frequent, despite her disciplined life style and her general good physical shape. I am very worried about her falling seriously sick one day, but your post has given me strength to be there for her when it happens.
All the best to you and your family.