I feel so sad for the man, whatever your political views it is a tragedy to lose a parent.
I can empathise with him to a great extent, my father also had a stroke whilst on holiday in France. My db and I rushed to be at their side (my parents) and got there. Ironically the person who was on holiday with them also had a stroke and sadly died where my father has recovered well but will never be the same Dad the was prior to the holiday sadly. In the same bitter twist, I returned from France sad at the death of a much loved family friend (who had been thought to be getting better - I then had to call some of his relatives and let them know what had happened as his dwife was unable to 
) and concerned for my father AND 4 weeks pregnant. Very bitter sweet.