Obituary of Matthew Kipling Fong

Matthew Kipling FongNovember 20, 1953 – June 1, 2011Matthew Kipling Fong, age 57, was born November 20, 1953 in Alameda, California and passed away after a long battle with cancer June 1, 2011 in his home in Pasadena, California.Matt grew up in a political family with his mother being elected to the California State Assembly in 1966. He also developed a passion for politics and pursued that passion as an adult. In 1990, he ran for California state controller. Although he lost the state controller position he was later appointed to the Board of Equalization by U.S. Senator Pete Wilson. After that Matt became a rising star in state GOP politics; he became the first Asian American Republican to hold a statewide office in 1994 when he was elected for California state treasurer. After leaving elected office he became interested in the issue of pensions and in 2001 President George W. Bush appointed him to the board of a federal agency that helps administer pensions of more than 1.3 million private sector workers and retirees.Before entering the political world Matthew Fong graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1975 and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1980. His love for flying led him to the Air Force Reserves and then after leaving the Academy he maintained his flying as a licensed flight instructor and was also licensed to fly gliders.He earned a Master's Degree in Business Administration at Pepperdine University where he served on the board of regents until his death and a law degree in Southwestern University School of Law.Matthew is survived by his wife, Paula Fong; children, Matthew Fong, Jr. and Jade Fong; and his mother, March Fong Eu.Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, June 9, 2011 in the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel. Burial will immediately follow at the Air Force Academy Cemetery.York, Anthony, (2011, June 2). Matt Fong dies at 57; former California state treasurer. Los Angeles Times, http://articles.latimes.com/print/2011.jun/02/local/la-me-matt-fong-20110602Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Cemetery Thursday, June 9, 2011 11:30AM US Air Force Academy Cemetery 2168 Field House Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80840 Phone: 719-328-1793 Service Thursday, June 9, 2011 10:00AM U S Air Force Academy Colorado Springs, CO Phone: 719-328-1793