Publisher’s Note
OhioMBE honors the legacy of Frank W. Watson
By Ronda Barber
OhioMBE honors the life and legacy of Frank W. Watson. Mr. Watson was my dad. I am honored and humbled to be his daughter. I am so proud of him. His life was spent bettering the lives of others. He made such a positive difference. While he was busy helping others, he was also a great dad. He never missed a sporting event I was participating in. His colleagues have told me that he would leave a meeting to cheer me on at a volleyball or basketball game or track meet. My dad was a super hero to me. Big and strong, I knew he could fix and do anything.
At his home-going service, so many people told me how he helped them go to college or start and grow their businesses. He was always available to those who needed him. It appears I shared him with many. He always made me feel important, special and loved. At the end of the day, I loved my dad and my dad loved me.
I was fortunate that I got to work with him at the Central Ohio Minority Business Association. I got to watch him in action on a daily basis. I will miss his wisdom. He taught me so much. I can hear him saying, “Drink more water, stop eating so much fast food, go to church more often, always take the high road because you don’t want to wallow in mess.” Most importantly, he would say, “You don’t have to say everything you are thinking simply think it to yourself.” (That’s a difficult one for me. I would say, “After I think it to myself, can I then say i?” His response, “No fool!” and we would laugh.)
I’ve got really big shoes to fill. He was the catalyst for me starting OhioMBE. I hope I can take the baton and make him proud.
I love you dearly, Dad. Rest in Peace.
