Russ, you know I truly believe your father did get a visitation from his deceased friend's souls. My grandmother had a similar experience-- being visited by two deceased relatives. This left her very encouraged and prepared her for the next two years where she would suffered through Colon cancer. She passed away in the hospital two years later. I feel God sent these two relatives to help prepare her- because shortly after that experience she got her affairs in order and wrote up her will.

She told my mother about the visit from these two relatives- it was a very uplifting experience for her and I think it helped her hang in there through the coming trials ahead.