Thomas J. Plutz: 1947-1996 (Tax Executives Institute's Director of Administration) (includes 7 testimonials)

Thomas J. Plutz, TEI's Director of Administration, died on August 21, after a long illness. Reprinted below are tributes submitted by TEI members, staff, and other individuals who knew Mr. Plutz through his work with Tax Executives Institute.

William E. Williams, Former IRS Deputy Commissioner and Former Editor, The Tax Executive

I met Tom Plutz in 1974 when arriving in Washington as Deputy Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service and he had just started working for TEI. At that time, the TEI office was quite small and Tom and Bill Lynch were the principal officials. I also had considerable contact with Tom during my two years as Editor of The Tax Executive magazine, after retiring from the IRS.

Theresa and I attended TEI's convention in Honolulu in the early 80s and have lots of favorable remembrances from our contacts with Kathy and Tom.

I remember Tom as a hard working, able, and dedicated official of TEI. He was very kind, gentle, friendly, and committed to his family; he spoke often of Kathy and their children. From my knowledge, Tom could be described as a solid person with good common sense and it is regretful that he lived such a short time. TEI and his many friends will miss Tom in the years ahead.

James M. Bodfish, 1979-1980 TEI International President

Tom Plutz had an outstanding talent for quietly doing a vast array of assignments well. He could always be counted on. His ready smile and willingness to help were key things I remember about this remarkable person. His untimely passing is a great loss to all of us in TEI.

Gary W. Brown, Colonial Williamsburg Hotels

I first met Tom in my capacity as Sales Manager of the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill where I had the pleasure of working with Tom and the late Bill Lynch. Fortunately, I was able to enjoy keeping in touch with Tom, as well as Deborah Gaffney, through my years with Hyatt and even during my tenure with Colonial Williamsburg.

Tom was a fine individual. As a supplier to the Association Industry, I know he made myself and others most welcome when making sales calls on TEI's headquarters. He was truly a gentleman, always had a kind word, and I will sadly miss seeing him during future visits.

Paul A. Barrese, 1983-1984 TEI International President

Tom and Kathy Plutz were Marie's and my friends. When I was President of TEI in 1983, Tom was always there with the answers to many of the dilemmas we had during that year. That was the year that we had to relocate the Annual Conference from the Diplomat Hotel because of a fire and transferred to the unforgettable Deauville. Many members of TEI still remember all the problems we had relocation and our many experiences at the Deauville. Through it all, Tom managed to solve all the problems. He will not only missed at TEI, but by his many friends.

Katherine M. Stopa, Graduate School of Management, Michigan State University

A number of years ago, Tom Plutz and I worked together to conduct several week-long Tax Executives Institute courses. During the programs, Tom always represented the best interests of the participants. We treasured the opportunity of having Tom return to the campus because his requests served to improve the educational environment for TEI's membership. On a personal note, I will remember Tom as a kind, gentle man who deeply loved his wife and family.

L. Wayne Farrell, 1984-1985 TEI International President

Tom was truly one of the most decent people I have ever known. While some people seem to delight in their insensitivity toward other people, in the 22 years I knew Tom I never heard him make a disparaging remark about another fellow human being.

I remember Tom fondly not only for the great job he did concerning serious TEI business, but more for the fun times, such as out visit to Carmel, the raft trip down the Snake River, and our shared passion for big steaks and long-neck Buds. While his family and many friends will properly mourn our loss of...