Fond

adj.kind, joyfulwarm

What it means

Feeling gentle affection or warm liking.

Reach for it when expressing personal warmth toward someone, something, or a memory

She remains fond of the neighbor who taught her to repair bicycles.

playful
partial to
you want an informal way to name a preference
not when The phrase suits things and tastes better than cherished people.
everyday
attached
a bond has formed and separation would matter
not when Attachment may come from habit or dependence rather than warm liking.
everyday
keen on
enthusiastic liking should sound conversational
not when Keen on feels more active and less tender than fond.
warm
affectionate
the feeling is openly expressed toward a person
not when Affectionate describes behavior as well as feeling and may be more intimate.
warm
loving
deep care within a close relationship is intended
not when Loving is stronger than fond and can overstate a light attachment.
professional
appreciative
valuing someone's qualities or contribution is the point
not when Appreciation can be respectful without personal affection.
literary
cherishing
the affection protects and values its object deeply
not when It is too intense for a casual preference such as a favorite snack.
literary
sentimental
memory and emotion shape the attachment
not when Sentimental can imply idealization or excessive emotion.

fond memory
A fond memory of the first harvest still brings the neighbors together.
fond of
He is fond of puzzles that reward patient observation.
fond farewell
The retiring nurse received a fond farewell from three generations of families.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.