(Sorry for the length of this...)
NONSENSE!! Thank YOU for sharing that with us! I'm sorry you have to go through that, but I am also very happy for you that you have such a fond memory of your father. My father more-or-less walked out (he was booted because he chose alcohol and drugs over us) when I was around two. He's clean and sober now, but he was not involved throughout my childhood. Although we got re-acquainted in my late teens and keep in touch now, he is not a fraction of a percent of the man your father seems to be!
My father is in ill health and is in and out of hospitals. As horrible as this sounds, I dread his passing due to inconvenience. I will not have the fond memories and life lessons that you do.
I'm not complaining; everything in my past has lead me to where I am today and I am extremely blessed, happy, and content. I just want you to know that I do covet your relationship and memories with your father.
May God bless you and your family during these difficult circumstances.