[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 106]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO THOMAS OPITZ

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 4, 2013

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a 
dear friend of mine, Thomas Opitz. Tom passed away on Saturday, 
December 29, 2012. A long time resident of Corona, he was a pillar of 
the community and he will be deeply missed.
  Tom was born November 21, 1922, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the son of 
Raymond J. and Susan (Singer) Opitz. He served his country honorably in 
World War II in the United States Army Air Corps from 1944-1946 and 
received several medals in recognition of his military achievements. He 
was a member of the Navy League, the Elks and the Confederate Air 
Force.
  Tom worked as a self employed contractor, interior designer and 
artist of restaurants. Over the years, the Opitz family and the Calvert 
family have had a close relationship, both personal and professional, 
and Tom was a great partner and friend. He and his family helped our 
family build the Corona Bowl, the Encore, Lord Calvert's Jolly Fox and 
the Jolly Fox Pub & Grille. Millions of Californians have enjoyed a 
family dinner in restaurants designed by Tom, as he built, designed, 
and painted over 400.
  Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-
grandfather. He is survived by his sons Craig, Thomas, Mark and 
daughter Christal Trusty; 11 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. 
On Monday, January 7, 2013, a memorial service honoring Tom's 
extraordinary life will be held at Thomas Miller Mortuary in Corona. He 
will be interred at the Riverside National Cemetery, where he will be 
laid to rest with his wife of 58 years, Ruth Opitz.
  Tom will always be remembered for his devotion to family, caring 
nature and selfless giving. Tom demonstrated an incredible work ethic, 
generosity, contributions to the community and love of family. These 
achievements and qualities are a testament to a life lived well and a 
legacy that will continue. I extend my condolences to Tom's family and 
friends. Although Tom may be gone, the light and goodness he brought to 
the world remain and will never be forgotten.

                          ____________________