The years pass with such a smooth speed that we were more than a bit surprised to perform the simple math and realize just how long is the shadow cast by Leo Adler’s legacy.

Many of the college students who are benefiting today from Leo’s generosity were not yet born when he died on Nov. 2, 1993, at age 98. Most probably, a few members of the second generation of Leo Adler scholarship recipients will be enrolled in a university this autumn.

The paved pathway that winds along the banks of the Powder River in Baker City and bears his name has been there long enough that tree roots have pushed up the asphalt and prompted city crews to make repairs.

Yet here’s the thing about Leo’s philanthropy: It is, for all intents and purposes, perpetual.

We could in 2037 write about how the grandchildren of the first cohort of students who received Adler scholarships are pursuing their degrees on campuses across the state and nation.

People will still tour the fine home where Leo lived for most of his life, and ambulances that his money helped to buy will still carry ailing people to safety.

On this, the week that marks Leo’s birthday (June 21, 1895), we are reminded of how immense his contributions are, and we are again humbled by the reality of what one man can accomplish for the community he loved.

We can compile a lengthy list of reasons why we feel fortunate to live in Baker County. But any such compilation must surely include that Leo Adler also lived here, and that he made certain that others who share his affinity for this place, including those he would never meet, would share in the great successes he enjoyed during his life.

We encourage people to attend an event honoring Leo this Saturday at 10 a.m. at his former home, 2305 Main St., and to join us in saying thank you.

From the Baker City Herald editorial board. The board consists of publisher Kari Borgen, editor Jayson Jacoby and

reporter Chris Collins.