1. Matt Fong remembered at memorial service in Whittier
By Brian Day, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/18/2011 07:56:10 PM PDT
With her children Jade and Matthew by her side, Paula Fong talks about her husband
Matt Fong, former state treasurer who died June 1 at the age of 57, during his memorial
service at Whittier Area Community Church Saturday, June 18, 2011. (SGVN/Photo by
Sarah Reingewirtz)

2. Matt Fong memorial in Whittier
WHITTIER - Family members, friends and colleagues of Matt Fong remembered the
former state treasurer Saturday for his accomplishments in the political arena as well as
his tenacious and generous character.
Fong died June 1 at age 57 at his Pasadena home after a three-year battle with skin
cancer.
A lawyer and former lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force, he was buried June 9 at a
ceremony at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. On Saturday, hundreds
gathered at Whittier Area Community Church to share memories of Fong.
"I will forever cherish those moments I had with him, and I will be guided by those
moments," said Fong's son, Matthew Fong Jr. "I will forever love my dad and forever miss
him."
A host of friends and high-profile officials, including former Gov. Pete Wilson, former U.S.
Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, Pepperdine University President Andrew Benton and state
Controller John Chiang, took turns honoring their former colleague.
"In his 57 1/2 years, he crowded in an amazing amount of accomplishments," Wilson
said.
"This man was driven by that passion to make a good and enduring change," he
added. "He leaves behind a number of people who learned from him."
Although Fong was younger than Wilson, the former governor said, "You can be a
mentor to people of all ages. I'm here to prove it."

3. Chiang said Fong worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people in the state.
"Matt has added to the benefits and hopes and aspirations of countless Californians
because of his conviction that California could be a stronger state," he said.
"He also brought a certain integrity I think is much needed in today's American political
system."
More than a dozen friends of Fong, from politicians to his golf buddies, shared stories of
time spent with Fong and remarked on the bond he had with his family.
Fong, a Republican, entered politics when Wilson appointed him to the state Board of
Equalization in 1991. He was elected treasurer in 1994 and in 1998 unsuccessfully
challenged Barbara Boxer for her U.S. Senate seat.
Fong is survived by his wife, Paula; a daughter, Jade; and a son, Matthew Jr.