Worthington Award honors service

By JoAn Bjarko
North Forty News

Selfless community service deserves an award, and the county's first such honor goes to Jackie Worthington in recognition of all that her late husband, John, and she have given voluntarily.

"Magnanimous" best describes John Worthington, said Larimer County Commissioner Kathay Rennels, and Jackie was always with him supporting the same causes. "She also was a very strong part of the team," Rennels said.

The commissioners' office presented the first Worthington Award to Jackie at the annual meeting of the Larimer County Stockgrowers and CattleWomen on Dec. 13. Special friends of the Worthingtons, Dawn and Tom Weimer, donated a bronze horse sculpture called "Playful" for the award presentation. Dawn Weimer is a Loveland sculptor whose work is installed in many public places.

Taken by surprise, Jackie recalled that she worked to hold back tears at the presentation that included tributes by those who benefited from the Worthingtons' labors. She let the tears flow, however, on the drive home through the county's open expanses.

Both Worthingtons have served as leaders of 4-H and local agricultural organizations. Both had terms as president of the Larimer County Farm Bureau. Both have served as president of their respective cattle associations and as members of the Soil Conservation Service board.

John worked with the Colorado Division of Wildlife and other landowners to develop a local habitat partnership program, and he also served on the county's environmental advisory board and animal task force. The latter was formed to recommend animal regulations for the county following highly controversial public hearings on the land use code.

John and Jackie met at Colorado State University and married on May 31, 1953--finals week. John then served in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot and maintained a private pilot's license after the service. Over the years, John also served on committees at CSU.

John died of a heart attack on July 16, 2002, at his ranch in northern Larimer County. Jackie continues to operate the cattle ranch and still volunteers her time in the tradition she and John shared.

Rennels said the Worthington Award will be made only when someone truly exemplifies an exceptional volunteer spirit. "The Worthingtons are a couple who really never said 'no' to anything," she said.