As she sought permission to grant the $240 million loan, Mr. Sheridan recalled accompanying her to a meeting with Max Fisher, a Sotheby's board member.

Some, like Max Fisher of Philadelphia, said they were not surprised about the increase.

In the world of Jewish volunteer leaders, Max Fisher was a giant.

Max Fisher symbolized all that is best in the North American Jewish community.

Her parents divorced when Fisher was four, and the following year her mother married multimillionaire Max Fisher, who adopted Fisher.

This view was advocated, in particular, by Max Fisher, a writer for The Atlantic.

Max Fisher died about 11:30am in his home surrounded by family in Franklin, Michigan.

In 2004, Max Fisher had amassed a net worth of $775 million.

Sotheby's vice chairman, Max Fisher, said he would sell up to $30 million of his stock in the auction house.

Max Fisher, Sotheby's vice chairman, in conjunction with Martinique, the American hotel chain, will sell another 2 million B shares.