Whew.......... I'm just glad it isn't on me to face this one, NOS. Off the top of my head I would say to accept his offer, as you will take care of and appreciate what these tool represent to both of you. I doubt much of anything you could say or do will change his direction based on what you have posted here previously. One thing to consider is going on what you have told us about his health issues he doesn't have a lot of time and this may be his way of insuring these tools are in the right hands, that he trusts and loves. What would happen to them otherwise is a big question for you to think about.

This is JMHO. You should do exactly what you decide to do and then move on, regardless.

Bill