MINDMELDA:
I am sorry about your dad's panic attacks. I had one or two when I was in my early 20s and let me tell you, it was a scary experience. By the time I became a JW, I was more confident and the panic attacks ended.
Anyway, as far as your dad being criticized from the podium by somebody, whether they used his name or not, if I were your dad, I would be using my MIDDLE finger to clean the corner of my eye, if you know what I mean. Maybe the symbolism would be lost on the idiot on stage but I would do it anyway.
I always despised people who either used the podium or answering at meetings to take pot-shots at somebody else in the kingdom hall. What contemptible behavior by grown people!