[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 151 (Thursday, November 18, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1980]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                A TRIBUTE TO CALVIN ``CAL'' WORTHINGTON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DANIEL E. LUNGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 2010

  Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
pay tribute to Calvin ``Cal'' Worthington, a great American 
entrepreneur who is turning 90 years old this week.
  When I think of Mr. Worthington, the first thing which comes to mind 
is that he is a true ``Renaissance Man.'' He proudly served our country 
in the United States Army Air Corps in World War II as a B-17 Bomber 
pilot, and because of his heroic skills during the military campaign in 
Germany, he was awarded the Air Medal five times, as well as the 
Distinguished Flying Cross.
  When Mr. Worthington returned to the States, he eventually became one 
of the most successful car salesmen in the country. With his 
dealerships in five States, Cal quickly demonstrated an aptitude for 
drawing in customers. His name today still evokes memories of 
tantalizing jingles as well as images of zoo animals and stunts, as he 
is best known for his lively commercials with his ``dog'' Spot. His 
advertisements were received with high national acclaim, due to the 
fact that Spot was never a dog. Instead, Spot was always an exotic 
animal, such as a tiger, chimpanzee, lion, bear, goose, rhinoceros, 
skunk, water buffalo, snake, elephant or seal.
  Mr. Worthington's sense of humor, tremendous business skills, love of 
music and the arts, and his desire to continually improve his community 
will be his legacy. It is an honor to recognize Cal Worthington for his 
immense dedication to improving the quality of life for so many 
individuals and for his commitment to excellence. He has served our 
Nation proudly and I am privileged to say that he will always be my 
friend. Happy 90th birthday, Cal; in dog years you are now officially 
630 years old!

                          ____________________