There was that incredibly sappy song in the late 60s or early 70s called "Patches" that was about a boy trying to carry on the legacy of his father. Bleh. But at the time I loved it.Here's another vote for Fogelberg's tribute to his father. Beautiful song.
The Kingston Trio (don't shoot! don't shoot!) did a song called I think "The Reverend Mr. Black" which turns out to be about the singer's father.
Alex