Have you tried telling him that? Guys normally deal with grief this way (avoiding talking about it), and if he's used to dealing only with guys, then he will be that way with you.
Yes. He told me he doesn't talk to me about it for my sake because it makes me so upset and its hard for him to see me like that. He thinks its healthier for me to keep my mind off things the best I can so that I can get through this time ... and he tries to help me with that. Perhaps he is right.