Gerald Loughran is being remembered as one of Tasmania's most prominent business people and a strong advocate of making Tasmanians' lives better.
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Mr Loughran died on Tuesday, aged 78.
He came to prominence through statewide electrical, homeware and bedding retailer Loughrans Pty Ltd, serving as managing director for nearly 20 years.
The business was sold to Harvey Norman in 1998.
He was a prominent company director, with a wide range of roles, including at Webster Limited, the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers' Association and the University of Tasmania Foundation and chairing the Trust Bank.
Mr Loughran played a key role in the early years of the Tasmanian Community Fund, which provides grants to not for profit organisations to benefit the community.
He was the fund's first chair, from 2000-09.
"Gerald was a fierce advocate for creating a better future for all Tasmanians and has left a lasting legacy for Tasmania through the TCF," the fund said in tribute.
It said he was kind, generous and compassionate and would be missed by many.
Mr Loughran was last year made a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the community of Tasmania through business, education and arts organisations.
At the time, Tasmanian Community Fund chair Sally Darke said Mr Loughran's efforts to improve the lives of all Tasmanians could not be overstated.
"Under Gerald's leadership, the fund was set up under guiding principles to not only ensure it could operate in perpetuity, but have the ability to change with our community as their needs change," Ms Darke said.
Mr Loughran was a strong supporter of UTAS.
He and his family established a scholarship to help students study in the College of Health and Medicine.
The Burnie United Football Club also paid tribute, saying the former Spartans player and long-time Burnie United sponsor would be sadly missed.
Mr Loughran was born in Belfast and the family emigrated to Australia in 1951, spending a brief time in Victoria before settling in Burnie.
He lived in Burnie until the 1990s, when he moved to Hobart.
He was involved with the family retail business with brothers Allan and Ken, while the electrical contracting business their father, James, founded was sold in 1996.
"Gerald had a passion for people development and excellence in business which reflected in the success of the business," Ken Loughran said.
"After the sale of the family business, Gerald shared his skills with other businesses, also the NFP sector, and maintained business interests with his brothers for some years."
The three brothers and their father were prominent Rotarians and the brothers were also prominent in Apex.
Mr Loughran was a keen golfer, bushwalker and fisherman and a lifelong St Kilda Saints supporter.