Predicament

So one of my friends is in this predicament: he has to go to the funeral of his "uncle". Uncle is in quotations because my friend has not known his dad since he was eighteen months old and, therefore, never met said uncle. He says that his mom is making him go because it is respectful to do so. True, it is. But what his dad did is less than respectful. If I were in that position, I honestly doubt I would be able to muster up the courage, strength, and humility it would take to do that. I respect my friend more than ever now, even though he says he's going just because his "mommy made him". But I know him better than that, he is a very respectful person and I believe that he would have gone anyway. I feel bad for him, though - that he doesn't know his dad. It's sad really. And I hope that the funeral isn't too awkward for him and that it doesn't depress him.