Good News - June 2021

There’s no doubt fathers have their own way of doing things, whether it’s rough-housing with the kids before bed or sneaking them an extra scoop of ice cream. That relationship is critical. As we cele- brate Father’s Day, Good News Wants to Know… What’s something special you and your father shared … perhaps when mom wasn’t around or that she might do differently? If you did not have your father in your life, tell us about a father figure. While I was growing up, my Dad had a race shop where he worked on his drag race team cars. It was a hobby that became a side business he shared with his brothers. It was the center of activity for all of the local hotrodders and hobby racers. The hours I spent with Dad in the shop were the best. James ‘JT’ Taylor, Managing Director, Head of Automotive, Truist Securities My dad, at five foot seven inches, was a hardworking man who unconditionally loved my mom, brother and me. He worked nights while my mom worked days so that when we were growing up one of them would always be home with us. A char- acteristic I shared with my dad was "passion." Whether it was work, sports, family time on the lake or his faith in Jesus that he found in his mid-sixties, my dad ap- proached it passionately. There were times when my mom would express that he might want to approach a particular experience with a little less passion. William “Bill” C. Davell, Director, Tripp Scott Attorneys at Law Saturdays with my dad and little brother were the best. We’d hit Burger King first thing for French toast sticks (extra syrup). Then head to the shipyard to ex- plore the grounds, maybe jump on a small boat, get a few bucks to pick up some trash, play whiffle ball and find really creative ways to burn off all those French toast sticks. Bob Denison , President, Denison Yachting Having lost my dad just before my first birthday, my mother served in both roles (and did a darned good job!) The other influences that helped raise me to the man that I am today were my grandfather and uncle/godfather. My uncle is a Catholic priest and my grandfather was a retired exec for the Ford Motor Company in Boston. The best times that I had were just asking them a million questions about life and business while having a hamburger at Friendly’s or Howard John- son’s (and maybe some pie at Mother Butler’s!) I have carried and utilized their sage advice throughout my business and political careers. Chip LaMarca , State Representative, Florida House District 93 My father was the greatest father a person could ever have had! We traveled extensively together, and we shared a love of ‘antiquing’ wherever we went, most times with my mother and later with my wife and children. Once we climbed the Great Pyramid in Giza outside of Cairo. He was a real ‘Indiana Jones,’ and a strong believer in prayer. He was one of a kind! H. Collins Forman , Jr., P.A. My Dad and I shared special times biking, sailing and making stained glass projects together. Deborah Cusick , FAU campus volunteer, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship My father emphasized that even the little things count, sometimes especially the little things. For example, in a job application, if it is mailed then use a brightly colored stamp since that sets your letter apart and subconsciously the person hir- ing may open it first. (Note this emphasis on detail can get crazy; however, I have found it helpful advice overall). Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, President, Professor of Health Sciences, Palm Beach Atlantic University My dad had a way of creating trust with me at a very young age. After dinner every night was family devotions followed by short practical stories instilling in us kids right and wrong. With the values learned during family devotions, we were given tremendous freedom to travel, adventure, hike, build things and chase dreams while my mom prayed for our safety. Don Campion , President, Banyan Air Service, Inc. After a severe soccer injury as a junior in high school, my mom refused to sign the consent form to allow me to play my senior year. So, I forged her signa- ture, and when my dad found out, he gave me that look that said, "Son, that was the wrong way to go about it, but I'll see you at the game!" Doug Sauder , Lead Pastor, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale When I was 15 my papa would let me drive his truck, so I would prepare for my driving test. It was a stick shift, so we would laugh and laugh as I tried to learn how to drive it. My papa would say, "Don't you tell mom what we're doing." We al- ways shared that memory together. Of course, when I got older, we told her and she laughed also. Fidel Gomez , Pastor, Calvary Chapel Hollywood Like a lot of folk, I came from a broken family; mom and dad were hardly on best terms. But, thankfully, both my parents loved me deeply and expressed their care in unique and concrete ways. Dad’s special gift was letting me work in the family service station and garage – pumping gas, changing oil, doing tune-ups, changing tires, driving the tow truck. His lessons were about serving people in the community, being happy with grease under the finger nails, and being satisfied with work well-done. Gene L. Green, PhD, Dean, Trinity International University – Florida William “Bill” C. Davell Bob Denison Chip LaMarca H. Collins Forman Deborah Cusick Dr. Debra A. Schwinn Wants to Know… James ‘JT’ Taylor