The memories of Sidney J. Gefen

From his Loving Daughter, Barbara Jaffe

While my dad never attended UF, he was transplanted to become a Floridian at an early age. He came to Florida at age 21 as he was stationed in Jacksonville while in the Air Force, met my mother (a born Floridian) and never moved back to NY. He was very active in politics and the tourism industry his whole adult life. His first business was that in the boating industry and held many positions to promote boating and tourism in Florida.

As owner of a marina he became president of the local marine association. As president it was his job to put on and manage the annual boat show. While doing that he became interested in doing trade shows and eventually became the producer of trade shows for ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents). While doing that he met Eric Friedheim, editor in chief and publisher of Travel Agent Magazine.

Sid described Eric as “one of the greatest friendships of my life,” in his self-published book about his life, “Climb Another Mountain, Plant another Tree.”  

On Eric’s demise, he requested Sid to run his foundation with the help of his beloved wife, Edith. Sid did that with Edith’s input and established the EFTI in his name and memory. Eric had lived part of his life in Palm Beach and loved it.

Sid ran into Hal Herman at a UF event, and together they helped Edith establish the Tourism Institute. Hal had known both Sid and Eric from his many years in Tourism as well.

When I (Barbara) was in high school I was a journalist and won several local awards for writing, as well as being editor of my high school newspaper. I attended the journalism Institute at UF as a junior in high school, and attended UF as a freshman before getting married, moving to Tampa and transferring to USF. I did write for Travel magazine on the opening of Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl. I was also a newspaper reporter for Florida Times Union, Florida Alligator, and Tampa Tribune.

I eventually moved back to Jacksonville and became interested in the fiancé industry in investing. I was the first person hired back to the industry after the long bear market in 1978. I have won national awards for the industry and been featured in many financial periodicals.

I would say one of the many quotes from my father that I credit my work ethic with is, “we do the difficult every day, the impossible might take a few extra days.”

I believe in the sundown rule. Before the sunsets each day, you return every call or let the party know when you can.

Your word is your bond.

The most important things in life are your family, your word, your reputation and your faith.