The Leir Foundation

Born on January 28th, 1900 as Heinrich Hans Leipziger, in Beuthen, Germany, Mr. Leir was the oldest of 6 children, and at the age of 11, upon his father’s death, he soon learned how important it was to put good ideas into practice and to do so, using his terms, with Prussian precision. Despite the difficult times and his own family situation, he was a talented student and developed a special affinity for languages, geography, and chemistry. At 19, Mr. Leir began an apprenticeship with Wolf Netter, one of the largest German mining, and metals trading company of the time. Ten years later, in 1929, Mr. Leir married Erna Dora Schloss of Mannheim, Germany. Mrs. Leir has been described as an immensely modest individual, who possessed profound common sense, great spontaneity, and boundless energy. Over almost seven decades, Mrs. Leir would be his constant companion and trusted advisor.

Shortly after their marriage, in 1931, Mr. Leir became the managing partner of Magnesit, GmbH, in Bonn, Germany. However, seeing the writing on the wall, in 1933, the Leirs left Germany for Luxembourg. Throughout their lives they would always remember the “safe haven” they were granted by the Grand Duchy, where Mr. Leir founded S.A. des Minerais and wrote the book ‘La Grande Compagnie de Colonisation’. However, once again convinced of impending danger, the Leirs left their life’s work behind, and emigrated to the United States in 1938, where they would be naturalized as citizens. During and after World War II, Mr. Leir launched several new companies in the international trading of minerals, metals, and fertilizers: International Ore and Fertilizer Corporation and Continental Ore Corporation, which, over time, employed c. 1,500 people in 35 offices across 26
countries around the globe.

Directly after World War II, the Leirs returned to Luxembourg, and Mr. Leir reactivated S.A. des Minerais. which had been seized by the Nazi occupiers. During this period of their lives, Mr. Leir had made further advances in the areas of industry and finance, having attracted several American companies to, and established others in, Luxembourg. In 1963, Mr. Leir sold the International Ore and Fertilizer Corporation, and in 1968, he sold the Continental Ore Corporation.

From that time on, the Leirs devoted their time and effort to philanthropy. Over their lifetime, the Leir’s immense successes were recognized and honored internationally. Thus, in addition to the French Legion of Honour’s knighthoods bestowed upon both Leirs, in Lausanne, Switzerland, Mr. Leir joined the Board of the Foundation Jean Monnet for Europe. In the United States Mr. Leir received honorary degrees from multiple universities. In Luxembourg he was named Special Adviser to the Ministry of Economy of the Grand Duchy, Consul of Luxembourg to the State of Connecticut, and Honorary Consul-General for the Swiss Cantons of Vaud and Valais. Mr. Leir was also made Officer, Commander, and Grand Officer of the Oak Crown, Grand Cross of the Order of Merit, and Grand Officer of the Civil and Military Order of Adolphe of Nassau.

Over time, the Leirs established several organizations eventually becoming known as the Leir Foundation, committed to the global humanitarian ideals and interests of Henry J. and Erna D. Leir. Thus, its work supports the advancement of high quality educational and cultural institutions, medical research and care, services for children and the disadvantaged, and programs that enhance multi-cultural understanding and diversity.

During the last years of his life Henry J. Leir planned the charitable use of his 37-acre property in Ridgefield, Connecticut. At age 97, he planned and oversaw the construction of Leir House, a conference hub focusing on programs for disadvantaged children of all races and religions, and on scientific and educational events and conferences. The first session at Leir House commenced two weeks after his death. The series and other activities continue to flourish to this day.

Remaining active all their lives, Mrs. Leir died in Connecticut in January 1996, and Mr. Leir died in Manhattan in July 1998.