WAYNE CHIN
Retired
Children: Ashley, Elliott (Charity), Morgan (Sarah), Cameron (Bethany) and Catherine
Grandchildren: 8
Years Living in Frederick County: 22 years
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING A FATHER?
Wayne: I love being a dad! I never thought I could love someone so deeply as I love my children and now my grandchildren. They are a gift from God. I’m especially grateful for the close relationship my wife, Diana, and I have with our children.
HOW HAS YOUR FATHER IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?
Ashley: Dad loves Jesus, and loves people. He is reliable, a man of his word. He is intentional, he pursues relationships with his kids and grandkids. He is peaceful, always looking to cultivate peace and harmony in our family. He is gracious, quick to forgive. He has never shut us out for our mistakes. He is kind, encouraging, affirming. He is fun! He makes things fun and enjoyable. He is affectionate. He brings us flowers, plans creative dates with us. He is stylish! Always with a cool outfit and a good pair of shoes. He is consistent and reliable. I aim to become more like him in all of these ways!
WHAT ARE YOU MOST GRATEFUL FOR ABOUT YOUR FATHER?
Catherine: I am grateful that he's always been such a loving and consistent father. He is so hardworking and so committed. He worked long days (seven days a week for awhile), then came home and was the best father to us kids and the best husband to our mom! He has shown up for us every day for our whole lives. We can always call him. I am grateful that he's my dad.
ADEYEMI FAGBOHUN (YEMI)
Artist
Child: OlubanKolay Sage Fagbohun
Years Living in Frederick County: 26 years
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING A FATHER?
Yemi: Sage's Mom and I are blessed with a son like Sage—a kind, empathetic, smart, thoughtful human being.
HOW HAS BEING A FATHER IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?
Yemi: Becoming a father has made me a much better human being. Fatherhood has given me the gifts of selflessness, patience, kindness, forgiveness and most importantly, fatherhood brought me back to my faith.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOUR FATHER HAS TAUGHT YOU?
Sage: One of the most important lessons I learned from my Father is that hard work and perseverance pays off. Prior to his arrival in Frederick, my Dad had inordinate success with his business in New York. When he and my mother decided to have me, they wanted to do it in a safer environment that was closer to family. They decided to take a more difficult path, moving away from established connections and essentially restarting from scratch. Over time, my Dad was able to rebuild his business and grow to even further heights than what he achieved in New York!
MARK LANCASTER
Home Builder, Lancaster Craftsmen Builders
Children: Catherine, Peter, Elizabeth, Emily, Erin
Grandchildren: 16
Years Living in Frederick County: 58 years
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING A FATHER?
Mark: Seeing your children grow up to be productive and independent individuals. My kids often refer to times in their early childhood where I would make them do physical work before doing anything fun. They didn’t appreciate it then but I think now they realize the importance of these life lessons.
WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN TO ALWAYS REMEMBER?
Mark: Take on every job with a vengeance and do it to the best of your ability. Take on the challenge. The ultimate reward will be the sense of accomplishment and pride. Whether in your carrier or raising your family, this philosophy will prove helpful.
WHY ARE YOU GRATEFUL YOUR FATHER?
Peter: He leads by example. The hard work and enthusiasm that he puts into his everyday tasks is something I highly respect and strive to imitate. In difficult times, he's hardworking, resilient and innovative. In fruitful times, he's hardworking, humble and appreciative. With this attitude I've been blessed to witness him develop into one of the best designers, leaders and businessmen I know.
WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR FATHER?
Peter: Dad cares about people. He cares for his family, friends, clients, community, workforce and trade partners. Dad grew up with little means, as the firstborn of 9 children, he learned responsibility early on in life. And he was able to appreciate the wealth of relationships around him to gain valuable life lessons…he's given innumerous hours and resources to the community, most notably to those in need. Much of this charity goes unseen. His efforts to help provide housing needs and more to people of all ages and backgrounds is most respectful and reflects the heart of my dad.
JOSEPH (JOE) GATEWOOD
TGP Homes, TGP Gives, RAK Brewing
Children: Brooks, Blake, Lindsey
Grandchildren: 1
Years Living in Frederick County: 20 years
WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN TO ALWAYS REMEMBER?
Joe: I want my children to remember that everything we have is a blessing from our Lord, Jesus Christ. And we should always act in a way that is pleasing to him. Your spouse is the most important person in your life. Don’t take your relationship with your spouse for granted. Go on date nights with your spouse on a consistent basis. And always remember that you have the responsibility to raise your children and provide them the love they need to become the best they can become. They, too, are blessings and should be treated accordingly.
HOW HAS YOUR FATHER IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?
Blake: My father has always been my role model and leader. Ever since childhood, he has always been a prestigious leader. He was my coach for all the sports I played as a child, and became one of my biggest supporters in high school. He is the best mentor and colleague I could ask for when I changed careers and started working with him. But most importantly, he influenced me to be kind, give back to the community and support those in need. He is the biggest philanthropist I know and strives to make the world a better place. With small acts of kindness, to big projects that impact an entire community. He’s influenced me and many others to be the best versions of themselves and to strive to be better.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOUR FATHER HAS TAUGHT YOU?
Brooks: My father is a great man and has taught me so many things. The most important thing he has taught me is to care for others. And, to always give first and serve always. He has taught me a strong work ethic and to put people first. I am the man I am because of who the man my father is. He is amazing.
ROGER FRANKS
Classical Teacher
Children: Jeremy, Ryan, Amy, Emily, Amber, Tony, Stephanie
Grandchildren: 11
Years Living in Frederick County: 10 years
WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF BEING A FATHER?
Roger: To let the love of God, their Heavenly Father, flow through me, by learning over many years how to lead out of weakness and humility instead of power and pride.
WHY IS YOUR FATHER YOUR HERO?
Amber: My Dad is the most selfless man I know. He loves and serves with joy and is constantly putting the needs of others above his own—which is what being a hero is all about. He walks in humility and doesn’t even realize the number of lives he’s impacted!
WHAT LEGACY HAS YOUR FATHER GIVEN YOU?
Amber: To know God and make Him known. That greater depths of unity, reconciliation and healthy, thriving family life is possible in our community. That faith can move mountains. My Dad’s love for Jesus, commitment to prayer and devotion to God’s Word has been evident everyday of his journey. His living legacy has shaped my life along with the lives of my six siblings.
GARY MORTON
Retired Major from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office; Currently Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Backgrounds Investigator and CampEzri Board Member and Pastor working with “At-Risk Kids”
Children: Gregory, Bradley
Grandchildren: 3
Years Living in Frederick County: 63 years
WHAT DO I WANT MY CHILDREN TO ALWAYS REMEMBER WHEN THEY THINK OF THEIR DAD?
Gary: I love them and they both are one of my greatest gifts from God. That they know how proud I am to be their father and that I would do absolutely anything for them. That I always told them to be respectful, never lie, treat people how you would want to be treated and always take the opportunity to say “I love you” and “thank you” when the time presents itself…I hope they know how deeply I love their mom and that I always put the Lord and family above everything else in my life. For them to put their faith first and whatever they choose in life to give their very best and honor the Lord.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR DAD?
Greg: My dad has taught me a lot of things in life. None more important than God is the first and only real priority. Things like “remember where you came from” when you move up in the ranks at work, don't change who you are to fit in, never give up especially when those around you have, and the most important has been faith in our Lord and Savior. Fight the good fight and finish the race well is, bar none, the most important thing he has and continues to bestow on my brother and I. Likewise my brother and I are now dad's as well and are raising our boys to do the same. I didn't always live that way but he never gave up on me and I love him for it. Like the Almighty even when we don't deserve it he's there for us no matter what. I hope to be known one day for being even half the leader and man of God he is.
HOW HAS YOUR FATHER INFLUENCED OR IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?
Brad: My dad has had a profound impact on all areas of my life. He exemplifies a loving dad, a dedicated husband, a hardworking provider, and a strong but humble leader. Most importantly, he’s taught me to live a life centered around Jesus Christ.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOUR FATHER HAS TAUGHT YOU?
Brad: To treat others with respect regardless of who they are or the situation they’re in. During my dad’s 30 year career serving the community as a Deputy Sheriff in Frederick County, he treated everyone with respect and understanding. My Dad is the example that I try to live up to.
