[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 41 (Friday, March 9, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E509]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MR. FRANK AMARAL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN T. DOOLITTLE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 9, 2007

  Mr. DOOLITTLE. Madam Speaker, today I wish to remember and honor a 
man who was a businessman, community leader and icon in Northern 
California, Mr. Frank Amaral. After a lifetime of dedication to his 
family and community, Frank passed away on March 5, 2007. He was 88 
years old.
  Frank Amaral was one of Nevada City's most successful real estate 
investors. Mr. Amaral displayed astute skills of negotiation and 
business savvy, many of which he honed earlier in his career in the 
lumber industry, working as managing partner of the Oregon Creek Lumber 
Company in Camptonville, California.
  Frank Amaral was also one of Nevada County's early developers and 
helped transform Grass Valley and Nevada City from unknown destinations 
to the wonderful communities they are today. However, Frank's success 
as an adult contrasted with his humble roots.
  Born on June 19, 1918, in Orland, California, he was the youngest of 
four children. Frank's parents, Cardoza Amaral and Rosa Julia 
Bettencourt Amaral, were Portuguese immigrants from the Azores Islands. 
Frank lost his father when he was 6.
  As a 13-year-old farm laborer who supported his family during the 
Depression, Frank hated being poor and worked diligently to better his 
social status.
  A rough upbringing did not deter Frank from a long list of impressive 
life achievements. Mr. Amaral bought the Oregon Creek Lumber Company in 
1958 and started buying timberland all throughout Northern California, 
Oregon and Idaho. At the height of his career in the lumber business, 
he owned over 100,000 acres of timberland, according to a recent 
publication.
  He also bought local properties during the 1950s. Frank's holdings 
included property at Jackson Meadows, Milton Reservoir, Lake Olympia, 
Brunswick sawmill, the Murchie Mine property, Deer Creek Park, 
Stonebridge and the North Star Mine, which he co-owned.
  In 1966, he retired from the lumber business, developing the 
properties he owned and selling them off as parcels. He diversified his 
interests, buying farmland in Los Banos and commercial properties in 
Southern California.
  Frank Amaral was also a thoughtful and civic-minded philanthropist 
who made great contributions to his community and region.
  For example, the Nevada County Fairgrounds has seen the impact of Mr. 
Amaral's work in the community for years. The Amaral Family Festival 
Center was named in his honor after the family made a large donation 
for its renovation. But, for years before that, the Amarals donated 
land, money and time to many causes behind the scenes, proving to many 
their dedication to helping others.
  The site of Nevada County's first Juvenile Hall and the land where 
the Madelyn Helling Library sits both were gifts from the Amarals.
  Most importantly, Frank Amaral was devoted to his family and was 
committed to acts of charity. For years, Frank and LaVonne Amaral 
donated money anonymously to local organizations following their 
Catholic belief that charity should not be publicized.
  He is survived by his wife of 64 years, LaVonne, and his two 
children, Lance Amaral and Julia Amaral.
  May he rest in peace.

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