Wow, how interesting it is to read about everyone's choice of plant! All so different but all so meaningful. What a great question.

Your dad was quite a guy! I can't even imagine living to 97. I'm sure you have many, many memories of him. *hugs* When a member of our families dies it's like getting a limb ripped off in some sudden, traumatic accident, at least in my experience. The phantom pains linger for a long time.