An Introduction to the Opportunity
As original co-trustees, Jen and I believe it is imperative that you fully understand the opportunity provided by the Trust. This brief section provides the most accurate overview of the Trust, how it came to be, and the general intent of Uncle Dan's wishes surrounding its effect.
Do not take lightly the responsibilities and benefits that are afforded here. The burden of seeking, securing, and repaying loans for higher education are enormous. These potential awards are given with great consideration and deliberation on behalf of the Trust through the legal discretionary powers he has given us as co-trustees. We take very seriously our duties to fulfill his wishes according to the written guidance of the Trust. As primary stewards of the Trust, we have promised to serve in this capacity with transparency, honesty, diligence, accuracy, and a sense of duty that this position demands of us.
Sincerely,
Dan Ashe & Jennifer Ferentinos
Co-Trustees
Uncle Dan's History
Daniel H. Airey was born to Herbert and Eleanor Airey in Baltimore, Maryland in 1943. He had three sisters and a younger brother. His father, Herbert held many jobs, but most notably as a Baltimore City motorcycle police officer. His mother Eleanor managed their home while the family lived in Highlandtown along the east side of Baltimore City in the 1940s through the mid-1960s.
He attended Mergenthaler Vocational Technical Senior High School known as Mervo. After graduating high school, Dan entered service in the United States Navy and served on board the USS Cony (DD/DDE 508) from 1962-1964; part of that service was when the US was engaged in the Cuban Missile Crisis. In the latter part of his life, he reconnected with many of his shipmates and began attending annual reunions for the USS Cony.
After the Navy, in his daily life, he drove a tanker truck for Esso/Exxon in Baltimore and Salisbury, MD, and retired after a full career with a stellar safety record. He enjoyed fishing, boating, camping, visiting friends and establishments around Baltimore, and countless weekend cookouts down the shore with family. Dan lived in Crisfield, MD for more than 15 years, then returned to Rosedale, MD before finally retiring in Homosassa, FL.
Final Years
Sometime in the year 2010, the various effects of cancer began to manifest themselves and he began the long battle that so many others fight. With the support of family and close friends, his last years were "good days and bad days." He never wanted to burden others with the pain he was feeling, and as a private man, reluctantly shared the details of his struggle with cancer.
On December 6, 2015, Daniel H. Airey, at the age of 72, passed away at Citrus Memorial Hospital, in Inverness, FL. He was a parishioner of St. Benedict Catholic Church in Crystal River, FL. He was also a past member of the Elks Lodge in Crisfield, MD and a longtime member of West Citrus Elks Lodge #2693, Homosassa, where he was especially devoted to serving meals to local Cub Scouts regularly. His close friend Dolores Rogers stood by his side during his final years as a dear friend and companion. Together they spent quality time with family and friends.
Last Meetings
Notes from Co-trustee, Dan Ashe: “On September 16, 2015, I found myself sitting with Uncle Dan and his attorney on my 50th birthday. What a strange state of affairs, I thought to myself. Little did I realize how important this meeting would be. Yet this honor of time spent together on my special day was a wonderful gift shared between Uncle Dan, my namesake, and me. He told me that he wanted Jennifer and I to take care of this trust. He sincerely wanted our family to have the advantage of a college education; driving a truck was a difficult way to make a living. In retrospect, he saw how driving and working in that industry took a toll on him. He felt strongly that having an education was a better way, and so that is the gift he has given us. I was struck by his love for our family and his generosity.”
Establishing the Trust
In 2013, the Sprinkle Trust Instrument was prepared by Slaymaker and Nelson, Practicing Attorneys, under the direction of Dan Airey. Notes from Co-trustee, Dan Ashe: In the summer of 2013 I met with Uncle Dan to talk through his wishes and his estate plans. He named me as his personal representative and asked me to ensure the assets of his estate would transfer directly into the Sprinkle Trust. When I asked him if he understood how complex this would be, he smiled at me, looked over the top of his glasses and said... I know you can handle it. After reading the trust instrument and generating a list of about twenty questions, I contacted Jenn so we could meet and begin to execute our responsibility. Immediately upon Uncle Dan's passing, I met face-to-face with the attorney in Florida to ensure all matters were ready to fully launch the trust. Jenn and I, under the counsel of our attorney, have followed the instructions and direction of the trust instrument to the best of our ability so that all potential beneficiaries understand the scope of the trust and what it offers.
MODIFICATION ORDER
In August 2020, the Circuit Court of Citrus County Florida granted a judicial modification of the Trust to the co-trustees to amend the Sprinkle Trust permitting an extension of discretion whereby we could consider the forgiveness of existing outstanding student loans. All beneficiaries were notified and actions were taken to carry out the modification order. The COVID pandemic added complexity to this process as existing student loan repayments were delayed for borrowers. As of this writing, the co-trustees are awaiting a Supreme Court ruling on the legality of the Biden administration load forgiveness plan.
WHAT HE VALUED
For those of us who knew Dan Airey personally, our memories of him and his personal values will differ. As co-trustees, Jenn and I spent many hours of quality family time with Uncle Dan throughout our lives. Because of personal conversations and stories told by our parents and grandparents, this is what we know about our beloved uncle.
He valued:
working hard toward obtaining a goal: whether the goal was something tangible like owning a home, or something beyond, like sticking with his faith even though he didn't have all the answers or understand all the details
dedication to family and friends: making sacrifices to see people by making the effort to maintain connections with people over time and distance
service: his service to his country, to the various clubs and organizations to which he belonged, to his neighbors, to his church defined his life and commitment to community
stewardship: he was careful and mindful of his financial matters, his home, his vehicles and personal belongings. The things he purchased, he researched, shopped for the best deal, and maintained them to a high degree; he was intentional about stewarding the things he owned
love of nature: he loved being surrounded by trees, the water, the outdoors, the recreational opportunities afforded by the natural world when boating, walking, fishing, golfing, etc.; he was in touch with the natural world
He respected:
people who worked hard to succeed at what they did
families who focused on teaching their children the values he was raised on
those who were thoughtful and intentional about their time, talent and treasures
What's Next
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