Conclusion:
He drove it 60 miles to a reputable shop in Portland OR, that was pretty sure they knew what it was just driving it into the garage, but verified it a little bit later: Broken rocker arm. This confirms that the first shop didn't even bother to take the valve cover off before recommending the head be pulled
I've advised my Dad to never take his car back to the first shop, and he agrees :)
Thanks everyone for encouraging us to seek a second opinion!
He drove it 60 miles to a reputable shop in Portland OR, that was pretty sure they knew what it was just driving it into the garage, but verified it a little bit later: Broken rocker arm. This confirms that the first shop didn't even bother to take the valve cover off before recommending the head be pulled

I've advised my Dad to never take his car back to the first shop, and he agrees :)
Thanks everyone for encouraging us to seek a second opinion!
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