Great post. I am a divorced dad of 5 beautiful kids, 4 daughters, one son. The question is not where you would be without him, but where would he be without you!
My dad taught me a lot, mostly by example. Remember, don't just be a father, be a "dad". Anyone with a set of "cajones" can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.
Take the time to read the lyrics to Harry Chapin's "Cat's In The Cradle". It is a great example of what I am talking about.