I really can't tell you whether or not you should stay in the relationship. It's not clear to me if you actually want to be in a relationship with this person, or if you are avoiding being alone. From what I'm hearing from you, it doesn't sound like there actually is much of a relationship established (because of the lack of communication), so you can choose to try and establish more with this person or not. That will have to be your choice. My best advice to is is to gain clarity about exactly what you want in a relationship, and either make the effort to establish those qualities with this person, or bring those qualities to the next relationship. You have to know what you want so you can bring those things to the relationships; and whatever you bring to the relationship will be given back to you.
I'm sorry but you shouldn't have to force someone to spend time with you, they should want to and it sounds like he's just not making the effort for you. it sounds like a one-sided relationship to me. you could ask him how serious he is about you or tell him how you feel about him and whether he feels the same about you. perhaps he's just a family oriented man and in my books that's a great quality to have. you said you were happy with him, its just being away so much that bothers you. i would just be honest with him & tell him how you feel & go from there. If he disregards how you feel then he's obviously not as deep in relationship as you and you can either settle for what he is currently offering you and no more or move on. best of luck.