[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 72 (Wednesday, May 23, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E917]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO CHARLES FRANCIS FITE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN T. DOOLITTLE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 23, 2001

  Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to recognize and honor the 
life of Mr. Charles Francis Fite of Fair Oaks, California. I was 
blessed to have known Charlie for a number of years, and am truly 
grateful to have counted him a friend. Charlie Fite passed away on May 
10, 2001, at the age of 89--leaving behind his loving wife of nearly 70 
years, Hazel, two children, five grandchildren, and eleven great-
grandchildren.
  Born in Paris, Arkansas, Charles Fite's life is a shining example of 
the American dream. As a young man, Mr. Fite toiled in the coalmines of 
northwestern Arkansas and contributed to the war effort as a master 
electrician in the naval shipyards of Long Beach. Later, Mr. Fite 
immersed himself in the world of finance and banking. Mr. Fite was 
instrumental in the founding of the world's first fast food franchise, 
Dairy Queen, where he served as president.
  After retiring from Dairy Queen, he and Hazel moved to the Sacramento 
area in 1969. In 1970, he and his son Bruce entered into real estate 
development along with grandson, Chet Fite. In 1980, he founded HCF, 
Inc., and continued real estate development with his daughter, Barbara, 
and grandson, Greg Hardcastle.
  Charlie's work has left an indelible mark on the Sacramento area and 
has been instrumental in the region's development and positive growth. 
The business enterprises and projects for which Charlie is responsible 
are too numerous to name, but one of his more recognizable projects is 
the Sacramento Sportsplex on Highway 50.
  Charlie Fite's accomplishments are many and great, but his life could 
never be defined by business acumen alone. Instead, Charlie will be 
remembered most for his honesty, integrity, and generosity. He will be 
revered and honored not for what he made for himself but for what he 
selflessly gave to others. Charles Fite was not simply a boss, he was a 
mentor; he was not just a father, he was a dad. His motto always was, 
``It's not a good deal unless it's a good deal for everybody.'' Charlie 
was a man of great inspiration, and he had an innate ability to lift 
those up who were around him.
  Charles was also a man of deep Christian faith. He helped found 
Warehouse Christian Ministries and served on the board of Capital 
Christian Center. Charlie Fite both professed and lived his Christian 
faith. He was a compassionate and a wise friend whose life will be 
cherished and remembered by generations yet unborn. He will be 
profoundly missed, but he certainly will not be forgotten.
  May you rest in peace, Charlie.

                          ____________________