On December 30 virtuoso pianist Martin Berkofsky died. Mr. Berkofsky came to live in Fauquier County in the early nineties. He performed in Russia, Turkey, Iceland, Italy, etc. and regularly in this area. In recent years Berkofsky traveled world-wide to give benefit concerts and to raise funds for cancer research. He performed in many hospitals to lift up the spirits of cancer patients. Some of his latest performances were in cooperation with "Donatori di Musica " a group of musicians and doctors dedicated to bring music to cancer patients in Italy. Even though he never sought fame and was not world famous, he was considered one of the "greatest pianist of our time " by some of his colleagues. Martin was a shy effacing man who transformed into a giant when he played the piano. We, who were so lucky to have known Martin and to hear him play, will miss him very much. He will never be forgotten.