This Father's Day, Donna and I want to express our joy in the many accomplishments of our children. We have four kids - a girl and three boys. Our daughter Debbie is the oldest. At age five, she underwent open heart surgery and has survived to raise five beautiful children. She is a very nurturing mother, and is also senior vice president of government affairs at Marriott and doing a wonderful job in her new calling. Her only daughter Kim will be married in November, so Debbie is very busy planning the wedding.
Our second oldest child is Stephen. He is one of the most courageous people I know as he is legally blind and has lost most of his hearing. Yet he comes to work every day and, equipped with his white cane, travels the country teaching Marriott convention sales people how to sell. He also gives multiple PowerPoint presentations about our culture as a family business. He never complains and is always positive and upbeat.
Our son John is our third oldest and manages a family trust that owns 14 Marriott managed hotels. John has had a life long friend, David Fell. They grew up together and when Dave was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis almost 25 years ago, their friendship continued to increase. John introduced Dave to Deborah Hawkins, whom he married. They had only been married just a few years when Dave lost his sight.
M.S. continued to affect Dave as he eventually lost his mobility and was bedridden. Deborah took great care of him while she continued to lead the hotel advertising effort at Marriott. For over 20 years, John visited Dave two or three times per week. In the past three months, Dave became critically ill and John would stay up all night with Dave to administer pain medicine to his friend until he passed away just a few weeks ago. I'm so proud of John for his great devotion and care for his friend.
Our last child is David. He is twelve years younger than John and serves as senior vice president of operations for our hotels in Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York. David and his wife Carrie have four children. Carrie recently gave birth to our 15th grandchild, Henry David. In the last weeks of her pregnancy, David took his two oldest boys on a special trip. Seven year old Andrew and five year old Jack accompanied their dad on a ski trip to Utah and a few days of fun in the sun at our Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, Arizona. David was the only babysitter for his two boys for ten days. He helped them get dressed, fed them and read to them every night, and took great care of them on their travels.
I'm a proud dad this Father's Day. Our children do so much in their own way to care of others. They have given me the happiest of all Father's Days.
I'm Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.
happy late fathers day, i love this post!
Posted by: sam | 07/10/2009 at 11:28 AM
Dear Mr. Marriott, thanks for sharing your family story. I have been staying in Marriotts since the early 80's, business and pleasure. It's so nice to have a place to stay anywhere in the world and it will always or surpass your expectations for first class customer service! Your policies work! Thank you.
Posted by: Deborah D. | 07/09/2009 at 09:05 AM
I am a fresh graduate from University of Western Ontario and is currently looking for a job at Marriott. After reading such passage, I am impressed by the love involued and is now very comfirm about my choice of career. I am sure Marriott will continue to do good under the management of such loving father and his family. Thanks Bill.
Posted by: Wilson Poon | 07/07/2009 at 06:46 PM
I enjoyed reading your story. I love the Marriott brands and am a loyal frequent guest. Keep up the great work!
Posted by: Norma H | 07/07/2009 at 04:32 PM
Bill-I planned to send a comment to you related to customer service, but instead clicked on your blog and was taken back almost 25 years. Before reading this column celebrating Father's Day, I couldn't help but look at the picture on the left side of this blog page and wonder if that's you or your father. If it's you, then you look exactly like Mr. Senior. You probably won't remember me, but I spent a memorable year cooking for your mother and father in their home in DC, with a winter at Camelback (riding the golf cart with Mr. Sr.)and a summer at the lake. That was the summer I had an opportunity to use my CPR training (successfully!)...but enough of that. What I wanted to tell you was how much I learned from your family about love, strength, respect. Every Sunday, your entire family sat together around the dining room table and talked, laughed, and bonded together. The grace and fiber of your family is touching to read but comes as no surprise to me. Rather, I look at it as part of a remarkable family inheritance. Thank you for sharing your joy and pride in your family, and for giving me this opportunity to catch up with you. My customer service issue remains for follow-up, but for now, I wish you a joyful Independence Day. Best wishes to you and your family-- Sandy
Posted by: Sandra L. | 07/04/2009 at 06:34 AM
Over the years, Marriott always had deserved edge to it, a confidence when thinking and booking, and now I'm seeing into the soul of it. Human quality above the rest.
There's more, but for now,
Thank You, Bill.
Sincerely,
Peter K.
Posted by: PMK | 06/29/2009 at 01:39 PM
Thank you so much for sharing the wonderful qualities your children have had through the years.
Father's Day is a very important day, it is a celebration of the men that gave us life, wiped our tears, kissed our booboos, taught us how to fish, taught tough driving lessons, watched us graduate, walked us down the aisle...the list never ends. I'd like to also think it is a celebration for those women that have to be mother and father to their children. I was a single mom for 4 years until I was married. After I was married, my husband is in the military, so when he is gone, I have to be both to my children. We now have 4 year old twins and my oldest daughter of 14. While my husband is a great father, we both take pride in our children and give each other a pat on the back on all of the parent holidays. Even though times are tough frequently and I have to parent alone a great deal, I am fortunate to have a wonderful husband that fights for our country. Military life can be hard and the seperations are never easy, in fact my husband has missed more holidays than he has been home for. But, in the end of the day, he is still daddy, no matter where in the world he is.
I just want to say Happy Father's Day to those women that do both jobs, either as a single mom or as a military wife.
Posted by: Jenny Fallon | 06/26/2009 at 04:25 PM
Mr. Marriott,
People are always hearing how family-oriented both you and Marriott International are. It is quite evident through this blog post, and all that you and Marriott do to support families that this is something you take very seriously. You're a fine role model, in a world that needs them. Thank You.
Posted by: Mike W. | 06/25/2009 at 04:48 AM
Mr. Marriott, I just returned to LA from staying at the Yorkville Marriott in Toronto. The purpose of my visit was to see my autistic brother who had been institutionalized since the age of 4. I had only seen him one time in the last 50 years. The philosophy back then was to have little or contact. Kim ******** the executive housekeeper and John, who brought me room service made a difference with their kindness and service. My visit with my brother turned out to be one of the greatest blessings of my life as he is such a sweet person and I can finally acknowledge his existence.
All the best,
Sheila Appleby Williams
Posted by: Sheila Appleby Williams | 06/24/2009 at 12:40 PM
i am a very frequent visitor at your marriot hotels in new york especially the one in times square. i was very touched by your story.
Posted by: anastasia anastasiadis | 06/24/2009 at 07:52 AM
Thank you for the lovely posting about your family -- indeed you have a lot for which to feel proud, and also to be grateful. I know there must have been days when the kids were growing up when you must have felt overwhelmed, but your strength and courage of the family working together has made it an inspirational family for all of us. I have been part of the Marriott family for over 40 years, as a customer, Marriott rewards member and stockholder (I was inspired to buy the stock because of my wonderful experiences). I would like you to know that on Father's Day you have a staff which also gives you a lot of pride. Your leadership and ethical values have given you a loyal and conscientious staff. (No one paid me to say this!!) Most of the people who work for you convey the image of extended family. I travel alone a great deal and safety, cleanliness and caring is very important. Marriott is always my first choice, whenever possible. Happy Father's Day and every day to your family from ours! Sue W - Bronxville NY
Posted by: Susan Weisfeld | 06/24/2009 at 06:15 AM
Hello Mr. Marriott....Happy Father's Day Sir!!! I worked with Marriott Hyderabad and glad to tell you that it is truly the best place to work. I am looking forward to work again with Marriott in future. My best wishes are always with your family...
Posted by: Ila | 06/23/2009 at 10:58 PM
Dear Mr. Marriott, What a blessing! I was browsing Marriott corporate site to see what kind of corporate culture your Hotels have. My daughter who is a softmore in college was offered a job at Marriott. As a father I feel proud that she is joining a team that values true Values of life!
May God continue to bless you and yours!
Thomas//.
Posted by: Thomas Manalil | 06/23/2009 at 09:50 AM
Bill,
Thanks for sharing. We can learn a lot about others and ourselves by looking into the clear water and seeing the reflection. If you look around you might find something to be thankful for too!
Posted by: Doug | 06/22/2009 at 05:55 PM
Hi Mr. Marriott, I enjoyed you fathers day message very much. You probably don't remember me but I conducted a meeting that you attended in the Harrisburg Pa mission several years ago. I told my new wife about you three weeks ago as we were in Manila Phillipines on our honeymoon. My wife was very impressed that I met you as she is also a member. I was reminded of you when we passed a Marriott hotel under construction. It looks like a very nice hotel. anyway just thought I would say hi and let you know that I still remember your remarks that day. I think it was 1997. Take Care
Posted by: Calvin Emmett | 06/22/2009 at 04:18 PM
Mr Marriott...thanks so much for sharing this family history. I love celebrating family and always enjoy hearing about your world too. Happy Father's Day.
Posted by: Dawn | 06/22/2009 at 10:16 AM
I so enjoyed reading about your family, I also have raised a large family and know how truly blessed we are with all those children and grandchildren. I posted your Father's day letter in our break room to share your wonderful story with everyone here.
God bless, Judith
Posted by: JUDITH NOLAN | 06/22/2009 at 08:59 AM
Dear Mr. Marriott,
I enjoyed your touching thoughts about your family.
I enjoyed working with you and your family for many years at Corporate.
Thank you for teaching me a great deal about commerical real estate. I utilize your lessons in my real estate business. My family and I always stay at Marriott and promote the organization.
You are in my heart, Bill.
Colleen
Posted by: Colleen K. Cotter | 06/22/2009 at 07:31 AM
Happy Father's Day to you Mr. Marriott. Thanks for sharing the stories from your family, and kudos to you for showing your love and appreciation for your children.
Posted by: Kevin | 06/21/2009 at 10:35 AM
Relevant and appropriate comments... Must be an eye of the Beholder issue? I'm in Oakland for Father's Day. Do you want to hear a longstanding Marriott Rewards Member's take on how Marriott is copying the airline industry's imposition of fees everywhere? How is internet free in budget-level Courtyard [across the street] and a $12.95 - wired-only - service in my room at the Marriott? Why is coffee $2 a cup now? Have you considered a charge for elevator use?
The phrase is nickel and dimed -- and that's how it feels staying with Marriott lately. Unfortunately -- after this trip - I plan NO additional stays at a chain that so regularly salutes itself -- and completely ignores its own stated philosophy in providing value to its customers.
Posted by: Ken Hazelip | 06/20/2009 at 05:43 AM
This story is the most amazing story ever told!!! Mr. Marriott, you are not just fortunate and prosperous, but more importantly highly blessed and favoured by God!!! I wish you and your family continued success and a blessings forever!!!
Posted by: Alicia Harripaul | 06/20/2009 at 02:58 AM
Congratulations Mr Marriott!!! You help to remind me that when living a life of gratitude one can never be dissappointed.
Posted by: Mike Simons | 06/19/2009 at 06:08 PM
Thank you for the very touching article about your family I couldn't help but see some similarities. We are expecting our 15th grandchild in January. Many years ago we used to put all six of our children in our vanagon and head for the Newport Beach Marriott. We put all 8 of us in one room by the pool and had some great times. My wife and I still go back to the same Marriott which isn't far from our home.
Our #5 child, a son, is also being married in November. Thanks for many years of hospitality. Happy Fathers' Day.
DBallard
Posted by: DBallard | 06/19/2009 at 04:27 PM
What a WONDERFUL family. You are truely blessed Mr. Marriott. Congradulations!! Happy Fathers Day
Posted by: Martha | 06/19/2009 at 02:53 PM
Mr. Marriott,
Happy Father's Day to you! A beautiful family story - so happy for you.
My husband and I just returned from a 5 day stay at The New Camelback Inn....so true, ONLY ONE LIKE IT IN THE WORLD. For me the stay brought back such warm memories of the time we took my Mother and Father to The Camelback Inn a few years ago. They were overwhelmed with the beauty and attention given to them by the staff. Just remembering how they enjoyed eating by the pool with the music playing, watching the colors of the mountains changing throughout the day, the peace and serenity they enjoyed...wonderful memories. They are gone now, but I, too, love the Camelback Inn. Thank you for sharing it with your Marriott Members.
Posted by: Geraldine Herlien | 06/19/2009 at 02:10 PM