Aw, I feel really sad for your friend, and his kids. I have to imagine his daughter will have complex relationships with her Dad and other men, maybe even romantic partners, all because he was tried to do the right thing, but might have been interpreted as embarrassment, shame, lack of love, etc - but people are complex, so who knows?
Two of my friends were telling me today how much they miss having babies in their houses (their kids are in school) and while cuteness is surely a factor, I'm sure enthusiastic and unrestrained affection are a big part too.