Cal Worthington, the car dealer who was known across the West Coast, for his zany television commercials, died Sunday at age 92, according to news reports.
Worthington had Worthington Ford in Federal Way, and at its peak the Worthington Dealership Group had 29 dealerships in six states.
Born in Oklahoma in 1920, Worthington earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service during World War II. He started selling used cars in Texas and in 1949 moved to California.
Worthington was perhaps best known for his “My Dog Spot” advertisements, in which a large animal was led around on a leash. The animal was often a tiger, and never a dog.
The commercials would be accompanied by a fast-paced jingle with new lyrics for the tune “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” In one 1984 commercial, Worthington was filmed hanging upside down from a biplane.
Worthington is survived by six children and nine grandchildren.
KIRO
