Jeff, Hey, goes out to a former neighbor! The story behind these PK grills is pretty interesting. They were made several decades ago. They were sent to military bases, because they are pretty-much indestructible,(bullet-proof, too!). I guess aluminum was more available than steel. They were also sold at the PX,(?)and many veterans brought them home. The company closed up. Some guy got one at yard sale, and decided they were too good to disappear. He got the original cast molds, and started making them again.
I won't take mine on every trip, but on week longs, I will. The lid comes off the bottom, and the whole thing comes off the stand, so it can be packed up. As big as it looks, the packing box was very compact.
PS: I don't know if you are on Facebook, but the PK page,(and me) would love it if you could share that picture of your father!