Those generation gaps can be really tough. We're all so scarred and influenced by our life experience and struggles. Your father's generation went through so much. I wonder if your son ever thinks about how different his life would have been if he would've taken the scholarship? I had a cousin who passed up a similar opportunity, she had a full ride to Ohio State. She's doing quite well for herself now after putting herself through a smaller college, it just took longer.
As a child (starting around 12) I did everything I could to earn money -- lawn care, snow shoveling, paper routes, restaurant jobs. My dad asked me to come to work in the welding shop that he did after I graduated high school. I, instead, went to community college at night and worked manual labor jobs during the day to pay for it. I've always liked self-directed learning too and really have never stopped seeking new things to learn about. I never had to take out a loan for school, and for that I'm grateful. That instantly puts young people at a disadvantage during their best earning years. Those 3 years of community college got me a job at an insurance company here in MN and I worked there for 23 years (saving as much of my salary as I could ) doing a variety of things, until I could retire early and write for a living.
You sound like you've had a very interesting and well-rounded life so far! Working with your hands provides so much satisfaction. I'm sure your neighbors really appreciate you. There are fewer and fewer people around with those skills. Thanks for your comment!