Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor

Equity trader and analyst Ryan Reid (left) with his dad, western regional manager of the National Commercial Bank, Norman Reid. He has taught his son that in whatever situation he is placed, he must make sure he 'takes charge' (be a leader) and does what he can to make everyone around him better than he found them. That was wise advice from his dad. - photo by Denise Reid

Some men merely act as a conduit for the sperm that gives half the life to a child. Thankfully, others follow its trail for the nine months of gestation, through infancy, childhood and teen years and by manhood, their imprint is so indelible, the child becomes a grounded, respectful and responsible adult.

One such father was Carlton Walker, late father of Commissioner of Customs Danville Walker. He moulded his only son into a man of integrity and the solid father he has become today. During a recent interview with The Sunday Gleaner, it became very obvious that Walker continues to be guided by the unforgettable influence of his dad. He shared the following anecdotes.

The elder Walker was very strict on drawing the lines of respect between children and adults and even though they were encouraged to speak about any subject with him, "We had to speak to him in respectful language because he said, 'I am your father not your little friend in school'."

Though they were brought up in an upper middle/uptown environment, they were taught the value of money and not to take it for granted. If they moved from one neighbourhood to another, the next address would be better than or equal to the last. "My father felt that if we as children were accustomed to a certain standard of living, we would strive for the same when we grew up.

The Walker children could not eat at neighbours' homes without permission and in his sternest manner, father would let the neighbours know they were not allowed to feed his children.

Education and schoolwork were very crucial. So much so that when it appeared that young Danville was on the way to failing his O'Levels, his father warned him to go find a place to live on his own lest it be said "I put you out". He would not be tolerated as a failure under Dad's roof.

Walker passed his subjects but proceeded to loaf around once he got to sixth form and really discovered the fairer sex. Again his father stepped in and packed him off to college overseas.

But one of the best lessons he has learnt from his father is the admonition to be a father only to his lawfully conceived children. "My father believed it was irresponsible to be a married man and father children outside the union. He felt it was unfair to all the children and women concerned and someone would be short-changed.

When we are growing up, we tend to resent all the wise counsel dished out by parents but in adulthood, we look back with gratitude for the wisdom of our fathers.

As we reflect on Father's Day, why not encourage the men and boys in our lives to cultivate and pass on the kinds of qualities worthy of emulation?

Flair salutes all Jamaican fathers and asks a few popular fathers to say what they learnt from their dads that they have passed on to their sons.

Alvaro Casserly (left), former chairman of United Way for five years ending in 2007, said what he learnt from his dad and has passed on to his son Patrick is to be disciplined in whatever you do. His other sons are Bruce and Robert Casserly. Patrick is the chief executive officer of E-Services Group International. - Contributed

Aubyn Hill (left) and son Alexander. "What I have learnt from my father and passed on to my son: my dad taught me that there is really no substitute for hard work. Talent is an unworthy substitute - so many talented people falter on the journey to success. Common sense and intelligence are worthy and necessary companions which must complement hard work. That lesson, coupled with an unwavering drive to put in the best performance every time, served me well and I trust will serve my son and daughter even better." - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Ian Dear, chief executive officer of Island Entertainment Brands, matches up to Dad, Winston Dear, real estate development/consultant. Brother Stephen is missing from the photo. The senior Dear says his father Herrick always encouraged him to give back to the community. "I certainly have tried to do that and both my boys, Stephen and Ian, are involved with the community and therefore, together, we will make a better country. My motto is all together, better." - photo by Denise Reid

Carbon copy father and son Patrick Hylton Sr (left) and banker Patrick Hylton Jr. - Contributed photos

Robert MacMillan with sons Travis (right) and Elliott. The elder MacMillan says his father taught him to treat people with dignity and respect and they will do the same to you. He has taught his boys to do the same.

"Perhaps the most important lessons that I learned from my father are captured in the following quotation, 'If there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do us no harm'. My father has consistently taught and emphasised for me the virtues of integrity, commitment and being conscious. He accomplished this using the spoken word, the written word and by way of example. These are attributes that have served me well, both personally and professionally. I will definitely pass these on to my son when I have one."