- ANDREW SMITH/PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
The 2006 Dads of Distinction winner Robert Walker accepts his $20,000.00 prize from Barbara Ellington (Left), Lifestyle Editor of The Gleaner. The presentation was made at the Gleaner on Friday. Accompanying Mr. Walker are his wife, Charmaine Walker (second left) and his daughter Charmalyn Walker who sent in the entry. The prize is donated by Awnings and Accessories Jamaica Limited, 22 Cargill Avenue, Kingston 10.

Congratulations to Robert Walker, winner of the inaugural Dads of Distinction contest.

Below is the essay written by his daughter Charmalyn Walker.

My father:

I know my father is not perfect. He is miserable and at times annoying but he never shirks from his responsibilities and never fails to put his best foot forward. Robert Walker lives and nurtures in a home where he is the only male. He has his wife and three daughters, two of whom are teenagers, to contend with. I love the fact that he is a good listener and is supportive.

For my mother he is aware that she has the disease Lupus and at all times tries to ensure she is well. He supported her when she decided to attain her degree knowing that I would be attending college that same year. He plays an active role in our lives being present at every concert, graduation and awards ceremony my sisters and I partake in.

He is adamant that all his girls are aware of the realities of life. Whether we listen or not he imparts knowledge from his experiences and tries to give positive advice even where the situation eludes him. He emphasises healthy, productive lifestyle and habits to everyone he comes in contact with.

He taught us how to ride our bicycle and jump rope. He especially taught me how to cook as food is one of his many passions. Before he sleeps at nights, he checks in each bedroom and ensures all are accounted for.

Yes, he is not perfect but he cares and how he provides forus cannot be said in only two hundred words.

The competition is one of several activities being held to mark Father's Week.