A 30/06. Loaded with 150 grain bullets it is very light on the recoil. Very light. You can varmint with the 110 grain bullets and grizzly bear hunt with it in the 180 to 220 grain bullets. Antelope hunt with the 125 grain bullets. There is a reason the 30/06 is what all are compared to. And there is no other caliber out there that does this wide range of feats better. So, the '06 has to be one and in my opinion.
My second choice would be a 243. I know, I know, they are just a 243. But, they are great killing machines in a short actioned, light gun.
Just my opinion, hunt that gun your dad will pass on to you. God Bless