In Loving Memory of Mike Mares

 

Mike Mares, our co-founder and dear friend who passed away in 2009, was instrumental in the founding and leadership of our firm starting in the late 1970′s, and remained active in the firm and in the CPA profession on a national and international basis as a speaker and consultant, until early 2009 when he was diagnosed with an inoperable and extremely aggressive brain cancer.  His accomplishments were extensive, everything from speaking at continuing education programs to serving as chairman of the Tax Executive Committee of the American Institute of CPAs, to testimony before Congress, and even to discussing the Chinese tax system with Chinese government officials. 

It is well known that Mike served his clients and this firm with unparalleled professionalism and competence.  He was, by all accounts, one of the preeminent and most highly regarded CPAs in the nation.  He had one of the best minds many have ever encountered, incredible recall of nearly everything he ever read or heard, and an exceptional ability to solve problems.  But these strengths are only some of the reasons that he will be missed by all of us.

Within the firm, we all knew Mike for his many other attributes.  He always gratefully acknowledged others in the firm for work they did with him.  He assisted staff and helped them learn.  And, in everything he did, there was always good humor.  In fact, his quick wit and humor may well be his most endearing attribute.  A bit of a comedian throughout his career, even his battle with cancer did not stop him from making others laugh.  Throughout his ordeal, he joked about not having to go to work anymore and about his disability income not being taxable.  Some might think that his joking about his condition was a way to avoid its seriousness.  But we think that it was his way to help relieve the sadness of the people he knew.