You have my heartfelt condolences. My parents, and Kim's, have passed, but have have a very dear uncle, 77, who is the last fatherly figure I have left. Even though he lives in Atlanta, and I don't see him often, we have remained very close.
I don't travel well, but I'm going to try to go see him next summer, after Kim retires. I've learned not to take my loved ones for granted.