His children, including actor Patrick Wayne, have often spoken about their father’s strong presence and unshakable beliefs. While he was demanding, they remember him as fair and deeply loyal — a man who valued truth and principle over popularity. “He was tough, but he taught us what mattered,” Patrick said in an interview. “He wanted us to stand tall and mean what we said.” For John Wayne, parenting was never about being perfect; it was about setting an example of strength and responsibility tha