A son’s introduction to his father

Good evening, friends, family, and soon-to-be friends and thank you for being here to appreciate the impact of Meals on Wheels and celebrate tonight’s honoree. My name is Kit Brunner, the proud son of Paul and Laura, and I have the pleasure of giving you a peak behind the curtain of the man we are honoring tonight.

Before my roast, or introduction, begins, I want to recognize and thank Mike Dunn, his leadership team and the critical staff of Meals on Wheels for the empowering services and life-saving impact you all have on so many people, families, and communities.

The people at, and mission of, this organization made a tremendous impact on my father and I know this because of the hundreds of conversations we have had about this place over the last few years. To say this organization has deepened an already profound father and son bond is not something I say lightly. But it truly has, and for me personally- I will always be eternally grateful to Meals on Wheels for that.

I am not this confident too often, especially when it comes to introducing my childhood idol and adult role model, a Dad amongst dads, accomplished executive across multiple industries, the life of every party I have been to, and the embodiment of a family-first husband.

Some would call that a tall order. But I started to wear bigger shoes than him when I was 11 and while he has physically looked up to me before I started to shave, I have looked up to and watched this man in awe my entire life. So yeah, I feel good!

My dad showed me the beauty of nature, introduced me to the art of enjoying fine dining AND family meals, he taught me how to not be a snob about liking great wine, he helped me appreciate the dignity and value of work that makes your hands rough, and he opened my eyes to the magnificence of this world. 

One of my first memories from my childhood of who my dad was how much of a loving presence he had. The modern renaissance man, he always made people smile, laugh, and took the time to listen to everyone he met. My dad is the mentor to many, the second dad to some childhood friends, favorite uncle of all cousins, the best friend of our family, but his true calling is being my mom’s soulmate.

As a child to now as a father, I have watched my dad take the path of love, generosity, and selflessness in everything that he does or touches. While there are many, the most impressive thing about my father is how much treasures my mother. His love for her is the most limitless force I have ever been around, and it is hard to put into words how positively that shaped my sister and I growing up.

My dad taught me the power of doing the right thing because it is right, not when- or who is watching- or when it is easy. My father being recognized by an organization with the mission of Meals on Wheels is proof of serendipity in my opinion.

I say this because so much of who I am as a man and strive to be as a patriarch is inspired by the love, compassion, and time he gave to his parents and gives to my mother. Especially his mothers, Missie and Kitty, in their final chapters of life. I listened and watched my parents move heaven and earth to love, help, and take direct care of those women.

But how and what my dad did for them is his legacy in my opinion, and one I am proud to carry on.

He gave one-on-one time when they didn’t expect it, laughter at all the right moments, meals cooked with love, and so many opportunities for his children to develop deep relationships with them. One of my dad’s greatest accomplishments as a father is that he made it possible for my younger sister to call his mother one of her best friends as a teenager.

It is easy to see that my passion, dreaming, and relentlessness comes from my mother- I have been told that my entire life. But it really hasn’t been until I became a homeowner, father, and business owner that I see my empathy, optimism, and priorities in life are a direct lineage to my father. The care he gave his mothers when they needed it most and were too proud to ask is truly remarkable and why it means so much to me to see him to be recognized by an organization with this mission and services.

With that said, in our clan he is known as the Two-Turn Paul, the Fighting Scotsman, Don Pablo. But please help me welcome who we all know and love as, Paul McPherson Brunner.