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FREMONT, California - October 18, 2005 - Morris Hyman, founder, Chairman of the Board and past President of Fremont Bank in Fremont, Calif., died on October 17, 2005 at Washington Hospital with his family nearby. Morris will be remembered as a dedicated family man, war hero, and successful businessman who used his influence to improve the lives of people in his community.

Morris was born Oct. 8, 1921 in Natchez, Mississippi to Bessie and Meyer Hyman. He was the fifth of six children, with four sisters and one brother. Raised during the Great Depression, he acquired the determination and strong work ethic that became common themes throughout his life.

In World War II, Morris' rugged determination emerged when he fought near Metz, France under General George Patton. While in the Army Infantry, he was sent on a reconnaissance behind enemy lines. He was wounded on the mission, but refused aid until his men returned safely. He received a Purple Heart and Silver Star.

Morris and his wife, Alvirda, moved to California in 1945 with their daughter, Hattie, and settled in Castro Valley. During the next few years they had two sons, Alan and Howard. Morris obtained his real estate license and sold real estate until 1948. He then used his G.I. bill to earn a college degree. He decided to attend Stanford University, not because it was an elite university but because he and Alvirda were familiar with Stanford from listening to college football games in Mississippi and Louisiana, where Alvirda grew up.

He took 20 to 25 units per semester and earned both his undergraduate degree and a law degree from Stanford in four years. During this time, he took odd jobs to support his family, from working in a post office at night to cleaning stables.

After passing the bar exam, Morris moved to Fremont and worked for the law firm of Quaresma and Rhodes and served as counsel for the ACWD before starting a private practice. In 1964, on the way to establishing a successful law practice, he became a founder of Fremont Bank.

In 1970, upon signs that the bank was struggling, he left his practice to become president of Fremont Bank. Morris often told friends that his wife, Alvirda, was a big part of this decision. He says she told him, "You've never failed before, why start now?" Morris used his determination and energy to turn Fremont Bank into an innovative bank and earned the reputation of a creative, hard-working banker. In a short time, Fremont Bank became one of the most successful independent banks in the Bay Area.

Morris was mostly known as the founder of Fremont Bank; however, he was also involved in a wide variety of community activities. He was a member of Niles Congregational Church, the Lion's Club and the International Kitchen Luncheon Club. Morris was involved in the incorporation of Fremont and served the Washington Hospital, the Hospital Service League, the Democratic Party as a Bobby Kennedy delegate in '68, and the Recreation Commission. In fact, he felt his greatest contribution to the community was his work on the Recreation Commission to form Central Park in Fremont.

Today, his personal and business accomplishments live on. Fremont Bank continues to support the community through contributions to hundreds of worthwhile causes and organizations. Morris' particular favorites were education and health, and he made generous donations to Ohlone College, Washington Hospital and Stanford Hospital. Morris and Alvirda's children, Hattie Marie, Alan, and Howard, are all dedicated employees of Fremont Bank. Morris and Alvirda established the Fremont Bank Foundation, that gives back millions of dollars to the community they love.

Morris has five grandchildren: Brian and Paul Hughes, sons of Hattie and Dennis Hughes; Alexis and Natalja Hyman, daughters of Alan and Sonja Hyman; and Benjamin Hyman, son of Howard and Lisa Hyman, and a Step-Great Granddaughter, Jessica of Brian and Teresa Hughes.

Morris took up golf in 1964, and it became a major source of friendships and travels. He spent a lot of time on the Pebble Beach courses as a member of Monterey Peninsula Country Club, and in Palm Springs as a member of the O'Donnell Golf Club. Other recreational pastimes included hosting parties and attending and watching sporting events. Morris loved dogs and dear to him were Slygon, Fritzie, Alf and Kissie.

About Fremont Bank
Fremont Bank and its divisions are committed to providing its communities with high-quality, personalized banking services in convenient neighborhood locations. Fremont Bank has built a reputation as one of the most progressive community banks in California.

Fremont Bank was founded in 1964 on the cornerstone value that continues to fuel its success today: fast, friendly, honest service. Customers can still count on receiving this exceptional level of service - a rarity in today's marketplace. For more information, call (800) 743-INFO.

Press Contacts:
Laura Owen
Public Relations, Fremont Bank
Phone: (800) 743-INFO
Email: PublicRelations@fremontbank.com