Hi Charlie,
I see that your father is still loved and cherished, even though he's gone from this earth. I believe he knows, somehow. Love is the thing that keeps people alive, their memories alive- in our hearts.
Although I'm not a religious person I have had experiences that convinced me death isn't the "end". My sister has visited me in dreams, and the first year after she passed a lot of light flickering happened, especially if I was crying. I felt surrounded by her, felt her presence and then I would get a rush of happiness. I look forward to dreaming about her, as well as my father who was 38 when he died of cancer. In my dreams every detail of his face is clear, although I haven't seen him since '63, when I was 7 yrs old.
Although the saying "death is final" is true is some ways, it's not true in many other ways because losing someone on this physical plane doesn't end the love we will always feel for the rest of our lives. In the end it's all that matters.
I'm glad your father will be remembered in such a way, actually carved in stone. Your family has done him proud.
All the best to you, I wish you and your family comfort.
Wendy