An Ode To My Father

Well, hey there!

For those who might not know me, my name is Hayden Crawford and I am the Vice President of Public Relations and Partner at Collin Street Bakery. My job duties at the bakery are wide and varied. In addition to working closely with Bob and Thomas McNutt, our 2nd and 3rd generation Owners, I also head up our bakery's Public Relations Department. I'm not the first Crawford to work at Collin Street. I was proceeded by my father, John Crawford, who worked as the Director of Sales for the company for almost six decades. You know, most sons aren't lucky enough to work alongside their dad—I was lucky for fifteen years. My father and I were business partners here at the bakery, but we were much more than that too. He was my mentor and a consistent source of laughter. Here's a photo of us at the grand unveiling of downtown Corsicana's Collin Street Bakery statue. I'm on the far left and my dad is second from the right, in the tan suit—just look at that smile.

From left to right: Hayden Crawford, Jolene Zummo Crawford, John Crawford, Jerry Grimmet

As Father’s Day draws nearer, I’ve been thinking a lot about my dad. He was a wise man, filled with golden nuggets of sage wisdom. Some of his favorite expressions included phrases like "Always strive to be a gentleman,” "Never say an unkind word,” or “Give everything your best effort.” Pretty standard advice—some might even say clichés. But, he also was filled with more poignant sayings like “Silence can never be misquoted,” or “Expect nothing and you will never be disappointed.” In fact, Dad had a few sayings he quoted so often, that he simply reduced them to acronyms in order to expedite the potency of the lesson. Acronyms like “LIA” or “Leave it alone.” This mantra was often solicited when he saw someone about to meddle.

I know I'm totally biased, but my dad was the best. He never spoke ill of anyone. He never lost his temper. He was generous to a fault and filled with sincere compliments. Most importantly, the positive impact he had on my life is beyond comprehension or expression. From him, I inherited a terrific sense of humor, a great head of hair, and an artistic flair for creativity. I mean, just check out this photo of my dad taking a photo—he was a hipster before his time!

Oftentimes, a child fails to acknowledge or appreciate their parents fully till they've passed. In part, that's why I'm writing this letter. A dad not only affects the way his kids view the world, but also, shapes their perspective on relationships, work, love, spirituality, curiosity, and kindness. A dad’s influence extends to how his sons treat women, or what traits his daughter might seek in a man. Sometimes, the realization is immediate and sometimes it’s delayed, but the actions of a dad are undeniably significant—fathers help shape their children into the people we are today. I can honestly say, my dad, is the reason I am the man I am today. Not only did ai

Since 2020, Father’s Day has taken on a whole new meaning. You see, earlier that year, my Dad passed away. God reached down and gently took him home at the tender age of 87. Thinking back, it's funny how holidays like Father’s Day can be viewed with a mix of thoughts and feelings. An opportunity to some and an obligation to others, Father’s Day is admittedly seen as sort of a lowercase "holiday" in comparison to uppercase "Holidays" like Christmas or Thanksgiving. Honestly, the true significance of Father’s Day isn’t fully felt until one becomes a dad themselves or loses regrettably, loses their own dad.

From left to right: Norman "Buddy" Shaw, Maurice "Mighty Mo" Pollock, Lee William "Bill" McNutt, John Crawford, Bob McNutt

As I traveled through life, I came to see my dad as more than just my father. He was my dad for almost 65 years, but he was more than that. He was my advisor for the forty years, my business partner at Collin Street Bakery for the past fifteen, and my friend my whole life through. I miss his wisdom, his viewpoints, and his voice. Sometimes, I reach for the phone or drive instinctively into his neighborhood—then I remember. I still often glance into his now-vacant office before stepping into my own. When I catch myself doing these things, I think about him with a smile. He’s forever gone from this life and he will be sorely missed. But, in his wake, he left behind a wonderful legacy. He was loved by many and respected by all here at Collin Street Bakery, our community, and our town.

I miss my dad more than words can say. So, bearing this in mind, I leave you with these parting words of advice. This Father’s Day, let’s honor our dads with our admiration and deepest appreciation. Heed their wisdom, laugh at their jokes, and enjoy their company. If you can, give them a huge bear hug. If you can’t, cherish their memory and give thanks for all they did. Also, pray for the fathers in your life and wish them grace, patience, and comradery.

With love,

Hayden Crawford | Partner, Collin Street Bakery