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The Biggest Short Guy is the sort of story that is increasingly rare in today's hyper-connected world. News of anyone doing anything significantly good or bad travels fast and is devoured widely. Add to that the ease with which we can uncover a virtual history of anyone in minutes, and it's easy to see why being unheard of is quite unheard of. Yet an online search of Walter Beran would yield a notable yet paltry biography, largely from his L.A. Times obituary. Walter Beran was a man who arguably shaped the soul of Los Angeles more than any contemporary from the 1970s-1990s. To accomplish this as a city official, philanthropist or entertainer would not be surprising. To accomplish this as an accountant is almost unbelievable.
And yet that was the primary channel through which he repaired and enlightened a community fractured along unjust racial, religious, and societal lines. It is not an understatement to say that Los Angeles and a great number of its residents would not be where they are today if a small, poor, orphaned boy from Texas named Walter had not called their city home for the last 35 years of his life.
"Walter Beran gave that which is most precious in life, his time. No challenge was too great, no task to small. He did not seek recognition or financial gain. His commitments and contributions to Los Angeles are still felt today."
Peter Ueberroth
Former Commissioner of Baseball & Past Chairman United States Olympic Committee
"Walter Beran was a giant among men. His stature was not measured in feet and inches, but rather in the greatness of his heart, the depth of his wisdom, and the kindness of his character. Integrity, humility, and generosity were the hallmarks of his life. We would all do well to model ourselves after him.."
Buddy Owns, Teaching Pastor, Saddleback Church, Lake Forrest, CA
"Walter Beran set the standard for ethical business conduct in Los Angeles. His clarion call for businesses to give back to the community reflected his high moral standards. He was a servant-leader, who elevated all who knew him."
Dr. Keith Phillips
Founder, World Impact, Inc.
