[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 174 (Friday, December 14, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S13299]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       PAYING TRIBUTE TO RON CASS

 Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Ron 
Cass, a man who embraces the idea that one person can truly make a 
difference. Ron is retiring after 28 years with KXLF-TV as General 
Manager in Butte, MT. While his job required a keen sense of community, 
it was his dedication to his family and the city of Butte that I want 
to recall today.
  Ron joined KXLF in 1974 and worked his way up the corporate ladder. 
He was named President of KXLF Communications, Inc. in 1986 and later 
added the management of KBZK in Bozeman, MT. Born in Harlowton, Ron 
started out as a disc jockey but soon chose television as his medium of 
choice. I believe he chose wisely.
  During the past several years, Ron has been instrumental in helping 
me understand a variety of telecommunication issues. He has given me 
his ideas freely and helped me to understand not only the growing 
complexity of the industry but also the need to remember what is 
important for Montana TV viewers who rely on the medium for their 
information.
  Meanwhile, Ron found himself complaining about the current state of 
affairs in his hometown of Butte. He realized rather quickly that 
talking about problems didn't produce results--actions certainly speak 
louder than words. Ron went into action. He now has a long list of 
accomplishments and I believe that Butte is a better place today 
because of his efforts.
  Whether as President of the Butte Chamber of Commerce, a member of 
the United Way Board of Directors, part of the Butte-Silver Bow Law 
Enforcement Commission, or even a member of the county's Study 
Commission, Ron rolled up his sleeves and Butte reaped the benefits. He 
also made a commitment to the local Exchange Club and the Pachyderms. 
He even battled Butte's frigid temperatures to help the Salvation Army 
during their annual bell ringing fundraiser at Christmas time.
  Those who know Ron Cass know that his personal participation is not 
for personal glory or a Butte parade on St. Patrick's Day. Ron's 
involvement comes from his desire to give back; give back to the very 
folks who helped him succeed in Montana when he first arrived and 
decided to raise a family in Butte.
  Today, Ron cherishes his family and many friends as he begins his 
retirement. His children, Barbara, Lura, and Dan--and his 
grandchildren, Timothy, Sean, Alex, Andrew, and Jake--and of course, 
his fiance, Nancy all agree that ``Poppa'' is a true role model.
  About the same time he decided to contribute his talent, energy, and 
strength to Butte, his grandson, Alex, was born with Down Syndrome. 
From that day on, Ron made it his mission to support and encourage Alex 
in all that he would choose to do. That has included his grandson's 
efforts in Special Olympics and the joys of mainstreamed education.
  Ron Cass's unselfish actions throughout his CBS Television Network 
career transcend the airwaves. His actions are shown today in the 
quality of his family's lives and the many friends who will gather and 
honor him before or after his last ``working'' day.
  I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank Ron for all 
he has done to benefit the City of Butte, and the State of Montana. I 
want to wish him well in his retirement. While I am certain he will be 
spending plenty of time within the community he holds so close to his 
heart, I'm also certain that he'll be enjoying the Treasure State on 
the back of his motorcycle with the wind in his hair.

                          ____________________