Fathers often shape their children through small, everyday moments that carry lasting impact. From words of encouragement and shared humor to quiet examples of service and perseverance, their influence can be seen long after childhood.

In honor of Father’s Day, members of The Scroll staff reflect on the fathers who have shaped their lives and the lessons they continue to carry forward.

"He used to be so sharp"

"When thinking of all the memories I’ve made with my dad, the ones that always stick out the most are the times when we’ve traveled together. He and I traveled to California a few years ago to visit his mom. One day, we played cards together with her, as well as my uncle who was also there at the time. After a round was done, my grandmother messed up when counting her score and had to start over. When this happened, my uncle blurted out, “she used to be so sharp,” and we all started laughing about it. Now, anytime my dad messes up on anything, I tell him that he “used to be so sharp,” and we’d laugh about it again.

It’s moments like these where I’m blessed to have a dad who will let me tag along with him to go visit his family, even if he tries to talk me out of it by saying I have to buy my own plane ticket. It obviously doesn't work, and he isn’t able to escape from me annoying him every second of the day. I love my father and I am grateful every day that he found the gospel and was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I hope to be at least half the man and father to my future children that he has been to me." wrote Aidan Gertson, Scroll Desk Editor and Reporter.

Learning from a distance

"The older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve realized how much my dad has influenced who I am. Moving away from home for school made me appreciate him in ways I didn’t expect. When you’re growing up, it’s easy to overlook the small things your parents do every day, but being away has helped me see how much he’s always done for our family.

My dad wears a lot of hats. He’s an artist, a teacher and someone who has served faithfully in many church callings over the years. No matter what he’s doing, he gives it his full heart. I grew up watching him use his talents to bless others and lead by example, and that’s something I appreciate more and more as I get older. If I had to describe him in one word, it would be positive. He is genuinely one of the most optimistic people I know, and that attitude has shaped the way I try to see the world.

Even though we live in different countries now, I know I can always call him when I need advice or encouragement and that he will always be there to answer the phone. I’m grateful for his example and for everything he’s taught me, not just through what he says, but through the way he lives his life." wrote Victoria De Guzman, Scroll Managing Editor.

Perrys can do hard things

"My dad has always said that our family motto is “Perrys can do hard things.” He’s done more than just say it though, he’s shown it too. He has always taught me and my sisters how to believe in ourselves and our potential. One night, a month before I was set to fly out to a high adventure camp that I had worked hours and hours to pay for, I couldn’t sleep. I was sitting out on our porch, worried that I was making a mistake. Maybe I wouldn’t have any fun. Maybe I wouldn’t make any friends.

Most of my family was asleep, but I guess my dad heard me go outside, because he came out and asked me if I was okay. I told him everything. He sat with me, listened, and then told me not to worry. That all these things are just maybes, but that so much good could happen too.

In that moment he taught me more than to just focus on the positives. He emphasized that I could do it, and that I had already worked so hard to even be able to go. That I shouldn’t be afraid, that even if it was hard, I could have fun. He has always been there for me and I am grateful for the example he has been for me." Wrote Alejandra Perry, Scroll Multimedia Editor.

Life is beautiful and my dad knew it

"When I was young, I noticed my dad always coming home from work in a great mood. It felt like a big event every night. He would burst through the door and shout one of a few catchphrases he picked up from movies, or that he just made up.

The ritual set a wonderful tone in our home. It’s one of the core memories I have from my early childhood. I later learned that this ritual was my Dad’s intentional effort to decompress from work and show up for his family. He continued to make an effort to stay positive, even as my mother’s health got worse. I never heard him complain once.

He was one of my rocks in my childhood, as our family experienced some difficult times. I’m thankful to God that my father headed the words of The Family: A Proclamation to the World, which admonish men to be a provider and protector of their families." wrote Sam Doty, Scroll Reporter.

Father’s Day is a time to recognize the men who have taught, supported and guided us through both ordinary and difficult moments. Their influence is often found not only in what they say, but in how they live—through service, patience, humor and steady example.

As we reflect on the fathers and father figures who have shaped our lives, we can also recognize the greater example of perfect fatherhood in Heavenly Father. His love is constant, His guidance is available to all and His influence extends beyond any earthly relationship. Earthly fathers point us toward that perfect example as they strive, in their own ways, to lead, love and serve their families.

From the staff of Scroll, ‘Happy Father’s Day’ to all fathers and father figures.