When Trek's and my mutual Dad was nearing this point, he took the matter up himself. We didn't have to introduce the topic, just listen and respect his wishes. Also, the hospice folks, when things progressed to where our Mom needed their help, took the initiative to discuss what they would and wouldn't be a party to (it happened to be a Catholic hospice, the only one that covered that area). Basically, they said that if he chose to die, they would respect that. They would offer him food and water, but not force feed him. If he made it clear that he was choosing not to eat or drink, they would provide him with mouth moisteners to stave off thirst, pain relief to stave off pain and hunger, and any other comforts they could provide. If he did not eat or drink, he would die within two days. And that was what he did do, although it's unclear whether he chose to do so and quickly slipped into a coma, or whether the coma came on and he therefore didn't have to choose.

My deepest sympathies, Mr. Silver. Losing a parent is painful, even though intellectually we know it must happen eventually and know they've had a long and fulfilling life. Talking about it beforehand is also painful. Our culture tends to prefer denial rather than openly discussing death. Maybe the staff at the care facility can help out? They're used to dealing with the final stages of life. Or maybe just sit quietly, make yourself available, and let your parents bring up the topic? Or take your time, work out the words, and with a good hug from Silver for courage, find a way to ask your Dad if this is a decision he wants to make on his own and, if so, how he might signal his wishes.