Most of us would take satisfaction from looking back in hopes we leave positive differences in our wake for others.
At a banquet and retirement celebration in my hometown of Harrison last week, I joined about 300 others in answering that very personal question for John R. Phillips.
Over 26 years, the silver-haired man with a quick smile has led the city's Parks and Recreation Department from a few ballfields at the city's former Wheeler Stadium to a stunning complex of youth facilities that's second to none for any city of just under 13,000 souls.
Were it only possible that all who contribute so much to others in their communities receive such an outpouring of gratitude and respect for their devotion to others.
But on this night in Northark College's sprawling Gene Durand Center near the town square, the attention was deservedly focused on this father and grandfather with sufficient energy to nurture the family he and his wife, Linda, share along with those from across Harrison.
Seated around oval tables munching on hamburgers, hot dogs and popcorn (Phillips' three favorites) the dinner crowd, emceed by Community First Bank's personable CEO David Morton, watched one friend, family member, co-worker and official after another appear on the large overhead video to praise John for his tireless contributions.
Those testimonials included former University of Arkansas baseball head coach Norm DeBriyn, along with a proclamation by Mayor Dan Sherill naming this day in honor of Phillips and his contributions.
The sense of appreciation for this man and his supportive wife was palpable during the program organized by his friends and family, along with support from many businesses. Phillips clearly has made such a positive difference in the lives of so many children and their families who own and manage many of those.
I was plopped at a table with realtor Tammie Roth and Ken Reeves, a lifelong friend from our own days as Harrison Goblins. On my right was Arvest Bank executive Mike McFarland, also a Harrison native, whose late father was supportive of Phillips as he fulfilled the Parks and Recreation vision.
Jerry Mayland, a Harrison businessman and banker, recruited Phillips into the position created by the city council as Director of Parks and Recreation in 1988. Mayland said he recognized how devoted and selfless Phillips was in his after-hours commitment to the youth programs as a volunteer. At that time, Phillips would regularly leave his job as an engineer at Flexsteel in Harrison to care for youth league ballfields, expecting nothing in return.
Under Phillips' tireless energy and leadership over the new department, and the supportive efforts of the dedicated staff he created, along with the existing Consolidated Youth Program, the youth programs and facilities to accommodate them began to grow from fields at the aging Wheeler Stadium.
The city's community pool was built, followed by the repeated addition of baseball and softball complexes, state-of-the-art soccer fields near Crooked Creek and the high school's new F.S. Garrison football stadium with a Jumbotron and its Cash indoor practice facility.
The development under Phillips and the staff (who were as capable and concerned as he was) to create the best possible sports and recreational facilities for the youth didn't go unnoticed outside the city limits. The development and effective management reached the point where teams from across the state and nearby Missouri often flocked to town for weekend tournaments of all sports.
Today, while Morton acknowledged the resulting financial benefits to Harrison, no one could say just how many millions of dollars all those parents and visitors have brought to Harrison's hotels, restaurants and other businesses because of the tournaments and the professional and caring way Phillips managed those events.
Among the attributes speakers draped across Phillips' shoulders, the phrases I noted most often centered around his pervasive sense of fair play and kindness toward the youths who participated, and his even temperament in dealing with sometimes overly zealous parents.
And everyone who spoke talked of his engaging and clever sense of humor.
This outpouring of respect was most tangible and appropriate by the amount of donations raised in his name across Harrison to fund scholarships that benefit youths who otherwise would be unable to participate in youth sports for financial reasons.
Underlain by personal contributions of $10,000 each from the families of longtime community supporters like FedEx executive Pat Reed and Mosco Cash, the scholarship to assist youths in need was poised to raise $30,000 by the end of that evening. There's one thing about my hometown I always have known. It is a community filled with caring, supportive people who don't hesitate to offer support and a helping hand to others.
Phillips wasn't being honored as a native son. He'd moved to Harrison in 1972. These hundreds had come solely to express their sincere appreciation and affection for all he had given to them and their children for almost three decades.
In closing, an obviously humbled Phillips teared up and returned the affection, remembering his late parents and challenging the community to continue its dedication and growth for the youth. "The future is up to you all," he offered softly into the microphone. "I love Harrison."
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Mike Masterson's column appears regularly in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Email him at [email protected].
Editorial on 03/21/2015