A Tribute to John Marcus—Fourth Quarter 2023
A Tribute to John Marcus
This month, our profession lost one of its esteemed members. Our friend and colleague, John Marcus, reached the end of his journey on earth following a courageous battle with cancer.
Over the many years that we presented educational programs together—primarily workshops and boot camps—I vividly remember John walking into the classroom (or boardroom) and how he visually surveyed the room and carefully chose his seat; then opening his briefcase, setting up his computer, and positioning his chair in a way that he could best serve (yes, I said “serve”) the participants in our program.
What John taught was “real-world,” not a repeat of something he read in a book. John’s teachings were always based upon his professional and life experiences. To say that John really cared about our students, most of whom were early to mid-career professionals, is an understatement. John believed that each of our participants was unique and, accordingly, deserved individual attention. John always provided our participants with candid, but valuable, feedback that was relevant and enhanced the educational experience. And on rare occasions, even brought tears to the participant’s eyes. Shortly after the conclusion of each program, John would send a personal e-mail letter to each participant expressing, not only his appreciation for their attendance and participation, but providing additional feedback to further enhance their individual skills.
John was a true professional. A CPA by license, but a litigator at heart. Somehow, John had a knack for attracting the most challenging cases; the ones requiring thick skin, unwavering determination, and a “battleground” attitude. And John responded admirably. He was always better prepared and quicker on his feet than his opposition, and it showed. He was revered by his “teammates” and always respected by his adversaries. John’s extensive experiences translated into great “war stories” that he regularly shared with his colleagues and students.
Aside from his business-like demeanor as a teacher and practicing professional, John was a very sweet, compassionate, and loving man. He served NACVA and its members with great passion and enthusiasm. John’s colleagues had the greatest amount of respect for him, and his students looked to him as a worthy mentor.
And most importantly—John loved his family—his wife Debbie and his daughters, Rachel and Rebecca. Each time that John shared the story of either of his daughters’ searches for their respective universities and/or their graduation or chosen careers, he radiated overflowing joy and pride. And for decades, John worked together with Debbie in building their successful professional practice.
John’s life will have a long-lasting impact upon NACVA and its members, our profession, and the greater community. He will be dearly missed.
Michael Kaplan, CPA, ABV, CFF, CVA, MAFF
Jeffrey Diamond, JD
What John taught was “real-world,” not a repeat of something he read in a book. John’s teachings were always based upon his professional and life experiences. To say that John really cared about our students, most of whom were early to mid-career professionals, is an understatement. John believed that each of our participants was unique and, accordingly, deserved individual attention. John always provided our participants with candid, but valuable, feedback that was relevant and enhanced the educational experience. And on rare occasions, even brought tears to the participant’s eyes. Shortly after the conclusion of each program, John would send a personal e-mail letter to each participant expressing, not only his appreciation for their attendance and participation, but providing additional feedback to further enhance their individual skills.
John was a true professional. A CPA by license, but a litigator at heart. Somehow, John had a knack for attracting the most challenging cases; the ones requiring thick skin, unwavering determination, and a “battleground” attitude. And John responded admirably. He was always better prepared and quicker on his feet than his opposition, and it showed. He was revered by his “teammates” and always respected by his adversaries. John’s extensive experiences translated into great “war stories” that he regularly shared with his colleagues and students.
Aside from his business-like demeanor as a teacher and practicing professional, John was a very sweet, compassionate, and loving man. He served NACVA and its members with great passion and enthusiasm. John’s colleagues had the greatest amount of respect for him, and his students looked to him as a worthy mentor.
And most importantly—John loved his family—his wife Debbie and his daughters, Rachel and Rebecca. Each time that John shared the story of either of his daughters’ searches for their respective universities and/or their graduation or chosen careers, he radiated overflowing joy and pride. And for decades, John worked together with Debbie in building their successful professional practice.
John’s life will have a long-lasting impact upon NACVA and its members, our profession, and the greater community. He will be dearly missed.
Michael Kaplan, CPA, ABV, CFF, CVA, MAFF
Jeffrey Diamond, JD
