With quiet and consistent generosity, Irwin Uran left an important mark and a model to follow for citizens of Loudoun County. For years, few months went by without a story in the local papers noting a financial contribution he had made to support local initiatives. Whether the check was for $5,000 or $1 million, he made his donations quietly, at times simply requesting that the funds be used to make the county a more tolerant and diverse community.

Although he seldom sought public recognition for his generosity, there is no question that Loudoun County and its citizens benefited greatly from the stewardship and sense of responsibility Irwin Uran exemplified.

A serious animal lover, Uran, was as well known for his discretion as he was for his generosity. An investor, he was reported to be 81 when he died. He had written checks to help Loudoun County's emergency services including fire and rescue teams as well as the police, but his real love, and many of his largest donations, were given to help children.

According to Loudoun County Supervisor Jim Clem, who was mayor of Leesburg from 1992 to 2000, it was impossible to accurately total all Uran's contributions to the county, but Clem was quoted as saying that he estimated Uran's gifts may have totaled more than seven million dollars.

Uran moved to Virginia from California in the late '90's. During World War II, he was an American soldier who helped liberate a Nazi concentration camp. When he made a $1 million donation to the Loudoun County Library, he asked that the local institution develop programs about the Holocaust to improve religious and cultural tolerance and to promote better understanding among all people.

When he gave $3 million to build Loudoun's first synagogue, he underscored his belief that diversity was a critical community value. When fire seriously damaged the Leesburg Christian Academy in 1968, he donated $10,000 to help the congregation rebuild.

And, over the years, he donated $50,000 to the Afro American Historical Association of Fauquier County asking only that the donation be publicly announced to inspire others to make donations.

He often wanted his donations to improve service in a specific area, and, with other donations, he asked only that children be the beneficiaries.

When he moved to his Middleburg farm, he brought injured animals to the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center. To help them improve their emergency room, he donated $250,000 in his parents' name.

He also took good care of the Loudoun County Animal Shelter, in the name of his much loved dog, Roger, a German wirehaired pointer. Over time, his donations to the Loudoun Animal Shelter totaled $250,000.

Uran leaves behind his wife, Reverend Betsee Parker, and a daughter, Rosie, who is now four years old.

His understanding of the important role successful individuals may play to support their community led him to a level of help that few aspire to or ever achieve. Should a cadre of individuals choose to follow closely in his footsteps as a local benefactor, a well-deserved and much needed legacy would be created in perpetuity for Irwin Uran.