I really on want to text my dad 3-4 times a year. When I do text him I feign interest in his life. In reality I just want to know if he's dead or not but texting "hey are you still alive" seems a little rude.
Yeah it actually does sound rude. Have you ever texted your dad just to catch up on his life?
Well, If I say it, it makes me sound like a bad person.
It would be understandable if your father abused you. If he was a good parent, then you are acting like a bad person by not contacting him more often.
Fine, but I don't like my dad.
You should reach out and check up on him more often even if you don't really like him. Parents long to hear from their children who have moved away. Think of how happy it makes him to hear from you.