DaytonDailyNews.com

Calvin J. Werner, who died in 1996 at the age of 88 was not only an inventor of note, a corporate and community leader, but he was also a great family man.

"My father spent many hours dedicated to his profession," said Robert B. Werner, during an interview on Wednesday, Sept. 17. "But he was a great dad. He was very loving and inspirational. He was honest, he was fair, and he always encouraged others to strive to improve themselves and the world around them."

Calvin Werner is one of five individuals and groups being inducted Thursday into the Dayton Walk of Fame. The ceremonies are set for 10 a.m. in the Wright Dunbar historic area with a luncheon to follow at Sinclair Community college.

During his career Werner invented the electric light switch, and held more than 64 U.S. patents mostly in motor controls and switching devices. He invented the device that allowed refrigerators to operate quietly.

Werner worked his way up in the world of General Motors to become the CEO of the company's Cadillac motor car division. He started working for Delco productions division of GM at the age of 15 as a co-op student from Parker High School, and after graduating from the University of Cincinnati began his rise in the ranks.

His 46 years in top management for General Motors was recognized in 1967 when Werner was presented the Deeds-Kettering Memorial Award by the Dayton Engineer's Club.

In his acceptance speech Werner said, "Each of us reacts to change differently. It stimulates some and disturbs others. Change takes us from the security of the known to the uncertainty of the unknown. It lifts us out of the easy chair of complacency and spurs us to new competitive heights. There is nothing like a competitor's success to drive us to find a better product or a better way."

According to his son, Werner was proud of a special commendation from the United States Navy just after World War II. The award came for Werner's development of a new line of electric generators used in Navy vessels.

Werner was active in the Dayton community and in addition to his work experience he was active in the Dayton Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Engineer's Club, the Boy Scouts organization and the United Way.

"My dad was a fine man and left an important mark in our city's history," the son said. "I am pleased that the community is honoring his service in such a commendable way."

Coming Tuesday: Louis Polk, an authority on meteorology and a man who played a big role in airplane production during World War II is profiled.

Dale Huffman wants your suggestions and story ideas. He'd like to share a story about you, your family, or a friend. This column is for you. Send e-mail to dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or write to Dale at 1611 S. Main St. Dayton, OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272.