Neighbor of the Week-Father's Day Edition: Justin Pardee & Ken Crawford

We’ve tweaked our usual Q&A and handed the mic to two of our favorite local dads—Justin, our founder and publisher, and Ken, our community reporter—to hear about fatherhood, family traditions, and what keeps them grounded. But first, here’s a little of what their families have to say about them.

Justin is the engine that keeps his family moving—equal parts planner, handyman, and the heart of the party. Whether he’s organizing hangouts or diving into a house project, he brings energy, laughter, and love into everything he does.

Ken was made for fatherhood. His steady presence, sense of humor, and quiet strength set a powerful example for his sons. Thoughtful and kind, he shows up for his family in all the ways that matter.

What does being a dad, or a father figure, mean to you?
Justin: I'm on a mission to be intentional with my fatherhood—getting to know each of my kids’ specialness and helping them channel that into a way of life that supports their dreams and strengthens the lives of those around them.
Ken: It means there is a person on the planet that is half you. It’s not just a biological attachment. It’s an innate empathy that makes you feel along with your kids. When they hurt, you hurt. When they have joy, you have joy.

What’s one of your favorite memories with your kids?
Justin: Oh man, my youngest just turned 9, so I’m at the tail end of Sunday morning snuggles. Nothing is better than lying in the big bed with one of my kiddos before the day starts!
Ken: Traveling for soccer tournaments—the hotels, the time together, and watching them compete and have fun were some of the best times of my life.

Best way to spend a weekend morning as a family?
Justin: Syrup! Waffles, pancakes, French toast—whatever it is, family breakfast is the best.
Ken: My boys are old enough to have lost interest, but when they were younger: donuts and yard/estate sales.

If your kids had to describe you in three words, what would they say?
Justin: Silly, snuggly, slay.
Ken: The ApplePay guy.

What’s your go-to dad joke?
Justin: I don't really have a library of those...I’m more of a “Did he really just say that?” kind of dad.
Ken: It’s embarrassing and it’s never funny, so it meets all the prerequisites for a great dad joke. Whenever I see something chocolate in the store that has the percentage of cacao listed, I cover the “o” with my thumb and say something about how I’m not going to eat something that’s 80% caca. I will continue until someone thinks it’s funny.

What’s one Riverside experience every kid should have growing up?
Justin: Saturday morning breakfast at Simple Simon’s, wandering the Main Street farmers market for snacks, and then a lazy walk around Fairmount Park.
Ken: Watching the planes at Flabob “touch and go” from Mt. Rubidoux.

Where do you go when you need to recharge or reflect?
Justin: The botanical gardens at UCR.
Ken: I like to take drives. The population density of Southern California makes it so there’s always an untraveled road within a short distance.

What’s a meal or treat your whole household always agrees on?
Justin: Nuggies from Chick-fil-A.
Ken: Spaghetti with meat sauce.

What’s one value or lesson you hope your kids carry with them?
Justin: Love builds.
Ken: We are all humans, born with dignity. Be kind to everyone.

Who’s a father figure who shaped you, and what did they teach you?
Justin: My dad, for sure—followed by Bob Stockton, who started taking me to lunch after my dad passed away. And now, John Addink, founder of A-G Sod, who regularly meets with me to mentor me in life and business.
Ken: I’m lucky enough to have had Sam Crawford as a father. He was humble, funny, smart, and kind—among so many more qualities. He actively sought out opportunities to love and serve. I remember as a teenager riding with my dad to Cherry Valley to visit his friend who was dying from complications of HIV. His friend was angry, bitter, and unpleasant—but my dad took the time to bring him food and spend time listening to him. It’s easy to love people who are beautiful and happy. What my dad did was love sacrificially—not at all an easy task.

Finally, if you could put one message on a billboard for all the dads and father figures out there, what would it say?
Justin: "There’s no such thing as quality time—only quantity of time."
Ken: "If you’re about to fall asleep, pull the car over, get out, and get a breath of fresh air."

Neighbor of the Week is our way of celebrating the hidden heroes of Riverside—those who go above and beyond to make our community stronger, kinder, and more vibrant. We believe every remarkable Riversider deserves their story told. Know someone who’s making a difference? Nominate a Neighbor of the Week