REMEMBERING GEORGE HUSUM
BY JENNA TURNAGE NAGY
Photos by Catherine Taylor, Woodland Fields PhotographyLARGER THAN LIFE
1962-2015
How do I begin to write about my friend, one of Panama City’s most adored individuals, after learning of his tragic passing just yesterday? I do this: I think of George Husum’s infectious smile, his wonderfully ridiculous jokes, his Marilyn Monroe “Happy Birthday” impersonation, his bear hugs, his love for his family, for baseball, and the heart and soul he poured into his work – the business of providing a beautiful, warm place for friends and families to gather and enjoy hearty food and stout cocktails, share laughter and have a good time.
My husband Steve and I were always greeted by George in a way that made us feel very welcome, as if we were part of his g. Foley’s Restaurant family, with laughter and hugs and the type of conversation that kept us from setting up our music gear on time for our weekly gigs. We’d patronize the restaurant with family and friends whenever possible – who wants to do that at a “place where you work?” Anyone who knew George Husum, that’s who. George Theodore Husum had an extraordinary upbringing. He was born on February 16, 1962 to Edward Joseph, Jr. and Ellie Husum in the Panama Canal Zone, Central America. He was child number 9 of 11. George’s eldest sister, Janet Husum Herrington recalls, “Our grandfather, Thomas Paul Foley, was an Irish immigrant who came to the United States in 1906, served in the U.S. Military, and met our grandmother, Mary, in New York. Thomas went to work as a police officer in Panama, and Mary later joined him and became his wife. Our mother, Ellie Foley, was the youngest of their 5 children.”
“Our Father’s parents, Edward, Sr. and Edna Husum, were originally from Chicago, but had moved to Panama where they worked as military civilians,” says Janet. “Our Dad, Edward, Jr., a World War II U.S. Marine veteran, returned to Panama after the war to join his folks.” Ellie and Edward, Jr. met there and married in 1950. Janet speaks of their unique circumstances with continued reverence, “George and all of us children were raised in Panama, with not only a large family, but among many other families who later became known as the “Zonians.”
George would always remember his upbringing and it impacted his entire life. When he and business partner, Jim Weber, decided to bring a first class restaurant to Panama City, Florida, George’s vision of the new eatery was inspired by his late mother – it should be a place that felt like home. In his own words, “Her contagious laugh, kindness, compassion, and unmatched hospitality brightened the lives of all she encountered. Every mouth was fed, every thirst quenched. Every story was heard in good company, every song sung in good cheer. Every victory was celebrated, every tear wiped away…every day was a gift, everyone had goodness in their souls.”
Jim Weber recalls, “When George got the itch to get back into the steak and seafood business and build a ‘Canopies-type’ restaurant, my wife Melodee and I jumped on board. After way too many dining room sessions, George, Barb, Melodee and I agreed on three things from the very start: We wanted white table cloths, we wanted first class food and service (steaks, cocktails, and fresh seafood with a local twist), and it had to be named after George’s mom, Ellie Foley Husum.” Jim said that’s when the fun “field trips” began. They visited restaurants in Atlanta, St. Petersburg, Tampa, and even Las Vegas – places that all became research resources for the final product. “Partnering with George meant equal parts of seriousness, laughter, and storytelling. Having been in the business for 30 years, I can tell you without a doubt, because of George and Barb’s friendship, g. Foley’s has been my favorite business venture by far.” George’s ability to manage employees and influence their lives made him an asset. Jim shares: “While we have all been sleeping, George Husum has been raising our children to become not only restaurateurs, but lawyers, doctors, politicians, and so much more. They experienced their first job interview, their first time to call in sick, their first paycheck, and most importantly, their first butt-chewing, their first praise, and their first hugs from a proud boss. All these years he has been teaching people to be valuable, meaningful members of society, and that hard work can make anything happen.”
It only takes a scroll through George’s or one of his friends’ Facebook pages, to see the words and know the impact he had on all who knew him. “Whether you were a prominent business person, or a busboy – no matter what your status – my dad always followed the two core messages he ingrained in us,” says his middle son, Daniel, whom he lovingly called ‘Danny Boy.’ One: ‘Treat people with kindness, understanding and respect’ and two: ‘Use good judgement’. It’s easy to see that he truly lived that way just by reading the messages of all the people whose lives were changed for the better because of my dad.”
One of those people is Les Hatter, George’s close personal friend for the last 25 years. Their friendship began when Les was hired by George who was the general manager of one of the Outback Steakhouse restaurants in South Florida at the time. “He lived life with a pay it forward mentality,” says Hatter. “He was fair, consistent, open, honest and loving. I didn’t get to where I am today without him.” Les Hatter is now a partner in a company that operates 16 “Five Guys” restaurants in Central Florida. Hatter says he still uses George as an example for his own employees. “I’ve been telling people about George for 25 years. You don’t meet many people that truly ‘get it’ – those who live their lives right in so many ways – faith, family, working hard, treating people well, making a difference, being the best. George was different in a way that was truly positive to the universe. He was the godfather to my children.” He speaks with swollen eyes and a demeanor so similar to George’s, “One of the best attributes of a man is that by knowing him, you were a better person – just because you knew him.”
Just ask Chris Infinger, George’s Executive Chef, about his story. “I met George at a party I was catering. He was watching me make hors d’oeuvres and talking to me too much, and I was like, ‘Who is this guy? What does he want?’ He told me about his plans for g. Foley’s, but I had just seen him do his Marilyn Monroe act and I didn’t take it too seriously at first,” he says with a chuckle. “I was like, ‘Where did you say this restaurant will be located again?’ But after I met with him, saw the plans and heard George talk about what he wanted to do to make our community a better place to be, I learned we had a mutual love for that, and I was on board.” Chris recalls their shared passion also meant heated discussions. “Our first argument was about whether butter or margarine was a better choice – I mean yelling at each other about it. We worked well together because we offered two different spectrums to this business. We were good together.” Deep in thought, staring off, Chef Chris adds, “I can count on one hand the people who’ve really believed in me in my life. George believed in what I did and what I thought, even when he didn’t agree. The opportunities he has given me allowed me the means to get married and own a home. My life would literally not be what it is today without him.”
That’s a sentiment shared by two employees who have been with George through his ownership and management of three Panama City restaurants: Outback Steakhouse (from 1996-2008), Red Elephant (2008 to present day as owner/partner), and g. Foley’s since its opening in May 2012. g. Foley’s was recently awarded the “OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award” for 2015, joining George’s three-time award as “Proprietor of the Year” with Outback Steakhouse. Ashley Dillahey and Candy Shaw have been at George’s side through it all since 1996 and 2002, respectively. “He was my best friend,” says Ashley, g. Foley’s Manager. “After meeting me and watching me handle a big workload at another restaurant, George convinced me to interview for a job at Outback.” She remembered how he joked with her about his age and wanted to know how old she thought he was: “I looked at him and said, ’62?’ He said he wasn’t sure he could hire me, because he was only 33.” Ashley laughed, “I made him show me his driver’s license because I didn’t believe him! He shook his head and said that his gray hair threw everybody off.”
All joking aside, Ashley points out how much influence George had on her life. “He has been a father-figure, a role-model. I looked up to him. He’s taught me everything I know about the restaurant business. I’ll always remember his work mottos: ‘Be the Best You Can Be’ and ‘Make me proud, I’m George Husum! I’m the Juice!’” she adds with a facial expression that speaks of her continued disbelief that he is gone.
His Secretary, Candy Shaw adds: “He was always so kind and fair – and was there if you needed him. He would give you anything he had. He was so humble and yet, still the center of attention. He never had a cruel or unkind word to say about anybody.”
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Like others, Candy elaborates on the importance George put on his family. “His boys were his life. He was all about making their games… he lived his life for his boys. They all worked together to make the businesses successful.” She recalls George’s wife of 29 years, Barb, working as a “busboy” at Red Elephant, and the many times his three sons, Patrick (who recently married and is 26), Daniel (23), and Kevin (22), would come in and work as well. “They did whatever it took, as a family,” says Candy.
Danny Husum speaks of the strong family work ethic. “Dad taught us that nothing’s going to just be given to you, you have to work hard for it,” he said. “He didn’t believe in quitting. That idea was a part of what he taught us in sports as a coach, in work, and in life. He worked tirelessly to ensure that we had more than he did as a kid. And he and my mom loved each other to death – together they did all they could for our family.”
When asked how he would like his father to be remembered, Danny says, “The people who knew him well, whose lives he impacted, know he was larger than life. He lit up a room and was one-of-a-kind. Legends never die. He’ll be a legend in a lot of people’s hearts. When Dad looks down, he’ll see that there are so many people out there thanking him for something he did. Knowing how much he’s done to support and encourage people speaks for itself. We couldn’t be more proud of him.”
What an honor to write about such a great man. George and I shared something, too. Our faith and our beliefs are strong and steadfast within us. I believe George is with his mom, bringing laughter to the heavens, and loving us with a spirit that will live on forever. We love you, George Husum. You will be profoundly missed.
George is survived by his wife of 29 years, Barbara, his 3 sons, Patrick, Daniel, and Kevin, and 9 remaining brothers and sisters. George supported efforts for many local community organizations with events like restaurant profit “share nights” for schools and numerous charitable contributions. He was an active member of St. John Catholic Church, the Florida Restaurant Association, the Alzheimer’s Alliance, the Panama Canal Society (the thousands of “Zonians” he and his family met with every year in Orlando), and The Florida State University Booster Club. Through the years he was also part of the Bay High School Booster Club and was a Boys and Girls Club of Bay County Advocate.