Off to visit FIL tomorrow......

I don't know if you're compiling your family history, Katek - but even if not you may want to do so in the future. You could take a notebook and pencil and ask him to reminisce about the family.
I do wish I had asked my DP and my MIL more questions when I had the opportunity. So many questions, and no way of answering them now.
And so many old photographs and we have no idea who they are!!

I do remember this with my FIL - he truly wasn't interested in anyone else but himself, and I just used to sit and let his racist diatribes watch over me. Nothing I might have said would have made any difference, so why say anything?

Sadly, visiting him was a huge chore. You have all my sympathy. Just grit your teeth.

Sorry-forgot to say Soon that he's still driving (eeek!!) himself

I like it! We don't have an old one which would interest him but he's bound to have lots of photos! This is a man who has receipts/bank statements from God knows how many years ago....photos should be no problem! Reminiscing would be good as long as he doesn't start slipping into German which happens occasionally when he can't remember something.

Brilliant idea suzied I find I have dozens of old photographs and could always pretend I did not know when or where they were taken. It might lead to some reminiscing and even anecdotes you could pass on to your DC.

I was going to say that!
Is he interested in games of any kind? eg card games?
Would he appreciate more time out in the car?

How about taking an old photo album if you have one and asking him to tell you about his memories of the people?