I have always thought this was another example of Jack's father having no respect nor affection for Jack. You'll remember that OMT 'never once came to see (Jack) ride'.
I think Jack's mother would have wanted to attend desperately, but I doubt she had much to say about it.
Sad topic, but a good one!
I used to think Jack's father had nothing but contempt for him.These days I am not so sure.
I cannot decide whether the fact that he would have put up with Jack's idea of him and Ennis, or him and another guy living there to lick the ranch into shape,was a sign of some tolerance,or because he was so mean he would put up with anything to get his ranch in better shape.
If it was a sign of tolerance,then why not go to the funeral. Personally I think it must have been an indication of some tolerance. He does not strike me as the
sort of character who would put up with something that was completely abhorrant to him.
Even if he was completely disgusted by anything and everything about his son.Would he not go to the funeral, to dance on his grave? It all seems so strange.
He wants Jack's ashes at the ranch, now that could be to spite him, but there are some inconsistencies for me. He would have to be bordering on evil, to want Jack's ashes at the ranch and not on BBM just out of spite.
He is not a very likeable character, for sure ,but I don't think he is that wicked.So if he wants his ashes,why not go to the funeral as well.
Maybe I cannot reconcile myself to the possibility,that he is so thoroughly unpleasant, he would act out of spite even after his son's death.