Bank of Los Angeles Chairman Is Dead

Maurice J. Burford, a longtime West Coast banker and chairman of the board of Bank of Los Angeles, died May 6 at the age of 60.

Mr. Burford began his banking career in 1960 as a teller and bookkeeper at First National Bank of Oregon, and later advanced to senior vice president of Alaska National Bank in Fairbanks.

In 1979, Mr. Burford returned to Oregon to become president and chief executive officer of United Savings Bank. He was elected chairman in 1991 and remained in that position until retiring in 1993.

He came out of retirement in 1995 to lead the purchase of Bank of Los Angeles. Under Mr. Burford, the bank grew from $80 million to $275 million of assets.

Mr. Burford leaves his wife, Diana, three children, and six grandchildren.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
MORE FROM AMERICAN BANKER