[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15991]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      IN MEMORY OF RAY ABRIL, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 24, 2003

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, it is with a great sense of pride that I rise 
today, on the floor of the United States House of Representatives, to 
pay tribute to the memory of Ray Abril, Sr.
  Ray Abril, Sr. was a pillar of the community, a surrogate father, a 
molder of character, a counselor, a coach, a builder of men. Mr. Abril 
passed away Sunday, May 18, 2003. He was 93 years old. To the youth of 
Boy Scout Troop 45 of south Colton during 1942 to 1962, he was their 
mentor and Scoutmaster.
  On May 17, 2003, former Scouts, members of the Abril family, and 
community leaders gathered to pay tribute to this great man of honor. 
They came from near and far, over 300 strong to honor him and to 
provide the testimony to the positive impact Mr. Abril had on the young 
people of San Bernardino County.
  To Ray Abril, the Boy Scouts of America and the organization of his 
troop was paramount. His patrol leaders were as older brothers, who 
taught and quizzed the new members on their way to the rank of 
``Tenderfoot.'' They learned knot tying, how to roll up sleeping bags, 
and how to pitch a tent. Through all of this, he did not coddle them; 
he let them move forward at their own pace and make mistakes. But he 
was always there to guide them when necessary. And guide them he did, 
but always in a clear direction and the young boys always admired and 
respected him.
  I will remember Ray Abril, Sr. as a man who left his mark on history 
as a devoted and supportive husband, father, statesman, community 
leader, Boy Scout leader, mentor and a man of irrefutable wisdom. His 
remarkably full life is a model to all as an embodiment of the vibrant 
and dynamic spirit of a true American. My Barbara and I extend to the 
Abril family the thoughts and prayers of a grateful Nation.

                          ____________________