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Brinks "papa bear' Austing

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Gilbert Super Dads

Dads are ordinary guys turned by love into heros

Kevin Francour

nominated by his 2 children & wife Sarah

Kevin devoted his life to his kids. Kevin is works as a Gilbert Police Officer.  Kevin chose a schedule for work to spend all day with his
children.  "He works hard to provide for them. They are his world"  Kevin talks about teaching them how to be tough, sweet and kind.  All Kevin wants to do is spend time with his kids. Currently Kevin is fighting for his life leukemia. He is a super dad and hasn’t seen his kids in over month and has months and has many months of treatment left to battle. 

There is currently a GOFUND me account established to help pay for medical expenses for the Kevin.  Please view this story on the @gilbertcitylifestyle Facebook or Instagram page to access the direct link.  

Jared Totolo

nominated by his 3 kids and wife Shay

Jared is a hard working husband and father that would do anything for his family and friends. When he isn’t hard at work at the start-up he cofounded, he is volunteering as HOA president, coaching soccer for our 8 year olds team, or running the non profit he founded. He loves being outside and enjoys every second of being active with the kids.

"Jared is completely selfless and always puts others needs before his own. I can't think of a harder working dad around!"

Ben Burleson

nominated by his 3 kids and wife Katie

Ben is the daddy that every kid wants to play with and that our kids are lucky to call their own. He's a genuine kid at heart and an all around amazing human.

"Ben isn't just our children's dad, he's a dad to many kids that step into his life. When we are together with friends, the kids flock to Ben to play. Often times I will look over and find another kid curled up on his lap, looking so content." Ben is the go to dad for play time at the park, in the pool, or for an intense game of hide and go seek. He works hard for our family, not just at work but at home too. "He's kind and generous with his time. He's patient and loving to any kid that comes his way, even the new kids at a playground who want to join in on the fun. Our children sometimes are hesitant to share their daddy, but now proudly boast 'we're so lucky that he is the daddy that comes home with us!'"

Rocky Singh

Nominated by his children and wife Tina

You might now him as the recognize Rocky as one of the children of Gilberts favorite dads,  and it not just because he owns 2 ice cream shops in Gilbert.  When he is not busy at the family owned 212 Ice cream, Rocky is involved in many things to help grow the community of Gilbert.  Simply stated Rocky stands for his family.  

Erik Geisler

Nominated by his wife Kelli, hiss 11 children, and 2 Grandchildren

"When I married Eric 6 1/2 years ago he came to the marriage with zero children and I had nine. I was a foster parent and Erik jumped in with both feet. We have taken in 2 more foster children since then bringing our total to 11 children. Erik is all in! He is a great dad and loves these kids as his own. We were able to adopt one of our foster children as well."

Erik has a passion for serving others. He changes more tires for stranded people than AAA. He takes time to return people's carts or listen to a friend in need. "He is my favorite human!"

Kyle Llewellen

Nominated by his 2 kids and wife Tanya

My husband is the best Dad. Honestly, I have never seen anyone so involved and ready to play with their kids - Whether it's after a long day at work (12 hour shifts), on the weekends, on vacation or over the holidays. Kyle is the first to jump up or in with anything they are doing or want to do. When they were babies, he would be the first to get up in the middle of the night. He will make their meals, make their lunches, tuck them in, bathe them, drop anything for a snuggle, cry when they cry, wash their clothes, clean their rooms, take them to school, stop everything he is doing at work if we stop by and soo much more. I could actually go on and on and have never seen anything like it. We see it and he speaks it by telling them how much he loves them everyday and lifting them up with kind words and constant encouragement. It is hard for him to talk to others about our kids without becoming emotional. I can feel the love pouring out of him into our kids every single day and I couldn't feel more blessed. Thanks for reading!

Dustin Sherwood

Nominated by his 3 kids and his wife Melissa

My husband met my daughter when she was 18 months old.  He had 2 kids and he loved my daughter from day 1.  He adopted her and gave her his name, along with so much love and knowledge.  He has always been there for her and I couldn’t have asked for a better person to be in her life.  

Is there anything else that you would like to share about your nomineeHe is an excellent electrician and in June of 2020 was given the diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer.  Our family was devastated.  He does everything he can to let her still be a teenager without trying to worry her sweet heart about him.  The motto in our house is "one day at a time".  He always makes meals when he is feeling up to it and loves to see people eat his food.  I'm not going to lie, we enjoy eating it.  He gave my daughter a dad when her biological one chose a different path in life that was not good for a child to around.  I will be ever thankful to him for that.  We all just don't want him to stop fighting

Richard Baird

Nominated by his 2 kids and his wife Candace

He is an exceptional husband and father. Richard has a job that allows him the freedom to work and still be the best dad. He lost his dad was he was 10 and does everything possible to be the best dad to our kids. He cooks, cleans, he's on the ptso at school and still works. He's active in the community and always giving back to others... feeds the homeless. One of the most selfless people I know, hands down

Ozzie Lewis

Nominated by his 2 kids and Wife Alli

Our Cover Family

This year Ozzie took on the role of a stay at home dad, a work at home dad, a 1st grade teacher, and a pre K teacher--all at the same time. In addition to all of those roles, he never waivered as the most amazing dad + husband. 2020 and 2021 challenged us, but he rose to the occasion and was our rock through it all.

Ozzie's unwavering perseverance to overcome obstacle after obstacle has been an inspiration to everyone who knows him. He shows up for our family EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. The hard days, the easy days, and the days we'd rather not just hide under the covers--he is there for us.

He goes above and beyond for our boys--

Larry Pavey

Nominated by his daughter Stephanie 

My Dad has always been my hero. He’s selfless, humble and is constantly thinking about how to make my life and the lives of other better.

My Dad is a man that deserves to be recognized as often as possible. He's always been my hero, but as I've gotten older, he's also become one of my best friends. I'm a lot like my Dad in more ways than one and I couldn't be more proud of that. If I can give even an ounce of what my dad has given me to my children one day, I’ll have considered my life a success.

Blake Jensen

Nominated by his sister in law Kristina

Best Puppy Dad

Blake is the perfect pup dad. He is a sucker for that dog, she can do no wrong. Every day when Blake gets home, Bailey runs and jumps right into his arms like a baby. They are best friends.

Billy Clayton

Nominated by his 2 kids and his wife Krystle

Billy works hard to provide for our family each and every day, and he does it with a smile on his face. His kids love playing outside with him in the garden, cuddling with him through a Pixar movie and pretty much anything else because Billy makes everything a good time!

Shawn Boehme

Nominated by his 5 Fur babies and his wife Katie

Shawn loves all of our pets like his child even though he won't always admit it babies them when they are hurt and spoils them like crazy

Shawn show his love for his 5 fur babies by Hiking cuddling walks and taking then anywhere we can really takes them on drives because he know how much they love it.  Especially Kevin.which is his secret favorite but he will never admit it.  

Binks "Papa Bear" Austin

Nominated by a Friend 

Brinks is the proud Papa of 4 kids and 8 Grandkids

Brinks "Papa Bear" works as a full-time oral surgeon and still has time to drop everything and spend quality time with his grand-kids. His is dedicated to his family and even though his children are grown he still takes on a active dad role and naturally added the title of Papa to the mix. He is one of the busiest people I know, but still always has time to play outside with the kids and will drop everything to help out. He is also dedicated in his faith and takes on roles at his local church congregation.

Jason Gardner

Nominated by a friend on behalf of his 4 fur babies and dogs across Gilbert

Jason has worked tirelessly over the last 10 years for his pups.  Starting Barks and Berries dog food line to save his pup, donating healthy organic food to local rescues and shelters during the pandemic, and starting his own non profit in honor of his late pup that tragically passed in August.  He's a voice for change in the pet food industry.

Jason's business, Barks & Berries food, has changed our dogs lives.  We have two amazing and active dogs that thrive on the food and I've personally seen so many other dogs lives saved and changed by Jason's passion and vision.
He is the most knowledgeable dog nutrition expert I know and helps local veterinarians and dog owners all over the valley.

Dan Johnson

Nomitated by his Wife Jaime and his son

“Dan is the best dad.  He is very involved and spends every moment making memories with our son.  Dan is also a veteran, a great husband, and a good friend to many and also a “great dad”

  • Officer Kevin Francour
  • Kevin Francour
  • Jared Totolo
  • Jared Totolo
  • Ben Burleson
  • Rocky Singh
  • Shawn Boehme
  • Erik
  • Dustin Sherwood
  • Richard
  • Ozzie Lewis
  • Ozzie Lewis
  • Ozzie Lewis
  • Larry Pavey
  • Larry Pavey
  • Billy Clayton
  • Blake Jensen
  • Brinks "papa bear' Austing
  • Jason Gardner
  • Dan Johnson
  • Larry Pavey
  • Kyle Lewellen

Businesses featured in this article