Matt Fong, California State Treasurer from 1995 through 1999, died today. Current Treasurer Bill Lockyer released the following statement: "Our state has lost a fine leader and a great example of the Asian-Pacific community's tremendous contributions to the California family. As Treasurer, Matt never forgot he was managing taxpayers' money, and never failed to put their interests first. I try to live up to that standard. My heart goes out to Matt's family. I hope they find strength in his courage, and that their grief quickly fades into the quiet joy of memories."

Fong was diagnosed with head and neck cancer in 2007 and 2009, respectively. He was 57.

[Sacto Bee]