Just got around to going through this thread and it has some great stories. As my dad faces typical issues one often encounters late in life it seems like just a couple of years since I was a 14 year old learning mechanical basics from him.
As a younger man he was a car guy but never owned his own collector cars. He (and my mom) supported my interest though and we spent a lot of time at car shows and with family friends active in the hobby.
He was an avid antique collector though - first railroad related, then gas and oil, then items related to the old west and antique arms. He had a great eye in these fields and always thought fewer but better items were the way to go. I have tried to do that but fumble the ball a bit here and there leaning towards driver level cars. With other things I collect I have followed that philosophy though, and been happier for it.
I don't think he will be back to Hershey, at this point that trip is a bit much for him but I plan to get him out to a few small antique shows this year, the act of walking the tables for a little while I think is good stimulation. Like many Hershey folks do, he has attended the Brimfield, MA antique show which is 3x per year at least one day each session since 1969 with the exception of my mom's passing back in Spring of 82.
I will say that was a turning point in that he remarried not too long afterwards and situations like that change a lot. In short collecting has been our main connection for most of my adult life.
I have memories though and a ton of good quality sh** so to speak that I appreciate having. I hope my son wants some of this stuff or if not he can sell it off and put it towards something he does want.. 😉