[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 53 (Friday, May 5, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E744]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         IN HONOR OF EARL WOODS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 4, 2006

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary 
individual, role model, and parent. Yesterday, Earl Woods, father of 
golfer Tiger Woods, succumbed to cancer at the age of 74. He not only 
leaves behind a gifted son, but a legacy of integrity, pride, 
excellence, and passion.
  Even before he raised a golf genius, Earl Woods lived an accomplished 
life. He gave up the opportunity to play professional baseball to 
attend Kansas State University, and became the first black scholarship 
player in the old Big 12 Conference. Later on he went into military 
service, served two tours in Vietnam, and spent time in Thailand where 
he met his second wife--Tiger's mother--Tida.
  Earl Woods was a man who believed foremost in raising his son, Tiger, 
to be a good person, not a great golfer. Woods dedicated himself to 
instilling in his son a strong work ethic, mental toughness, and the 
drive to succeed--all factors that have allowed Tiger to become one of 
the most celebrated athletes of our time.
  In the midst of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, Earl Woods stood 
by his son, tournament after tournament, providing the guidance and 
friendship Tiger needed to win. Earl Woods said that his relationship 
with his son was one of friendship: they were equals. And he considered 
that to be the greatest achievement of his life.
  Mr. Speaker, I extend my sincere condolences to the Woods family for 
their loss. Our prayers are with the Woods family today and we ask that 
God grant them peace during this difficult time.

                          ____________________