I'm there with you Jen. I've lost both my parents over the last two years. It's not easy.
Not many of us achieve any degree of immortality in this world other than through the memories of those we've touched during out time on this planet. He'll live on through your's and your family's memories. And from your description of how he answered the phone I'm sure he'd want you all to remember and enjoy the good times and celibrate his life rather than mourn his passing.