Canon rumours are generally unfounded. I remember watching threads about the 5DII for over a year before anything was released, and 99% of everything that was predicted was incorrect. The same went for the 40D & 50D. So far, the 60D has been forecast for a Feb '10 release, a May '10 release and now for a ?? release.
"They" have been on about a 24-70 f2.8 IS for over two years and a replacement for the 100-400 for longer.
I would guess that the 1DsIV will also be along this year, but that will be way out of the reach (and requirements) of mere mortals.
I gave up trying to second guess what was coming next and just bought what I needed at the time. I would love a newer version of the 5DII with better AF and more FPS, but I am more than happy to live with what I have for next couple of years.
Ultimately your Dad could probably do the same and get a 7D in the knowledge that it will do everything that he could possibly want it to (when he learns how to operate the AF system
). It will be better than the 60D, although perhaps a touch more expensive, which doesn't sound like it should be a problem.