Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Death of Donald Alexander
I am sorry to bring you that news that Donald C. Alexander, IRS Commissioner from 1973 to 1977 and a tax partner at Akin Gump, died Monday night at the age of 87 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. From the Akin Gump press release:
Don joined Akin Gump in 1993. A tax expert extraordinaire who was sought after by some of the world's most prominent organizations for his sage tax advice, he was also a true American patriot; he served during World War II with the 14th Armored Division and subsequently was awarded the prestigious Silver Star and the Bronze Star for his valor and bravery. An honors graduate of both Yale and Harvard Law and a devoted alumnus of both institutions, Don is perhaps best known for his many years of public service.
https://taxprof.typepad.com/taxprof_blog/2009/02/death-of-donald-alexander.html
Comments
I met him once. I was at a meeting at the ACLI. He was there for another meeting, decided what we were talking about seemed interesting, so he asked to join us. Kept quiet most of the time, but then made some good suggestions at the end, simled and walked off. You felt like you spent an hour with the nice old guy who hangs out at the park.
Posted by: Anthony | Feb 4, 2009 3:32:20 PM
Don was a friend, a mentor, and a colleague. He was a consummate tax lawyer and a master of all aspects of the federal income tax law. In this day and age of increased specialization he was truly a tax maestro equally learned in the tax rules for corporations, partnerships, individuals, and non-profits, as well as tax procedure and controversy. Simply put, Don was a tour de force. No one has been more dedicated to the sound and fair administration of the tax law and to the highest standards of professional integrity in our field. IRS never had a more devoted and faithful advocate. I am grateful to him for the many lessons he taught us and to the high standard he set to which we can all aspire but not likely reach. He will be missed.
Posted by: Michael Quigley | Feb 5, 2009 10:36:47 AM