Past FASB Member G. Michael Crooch Dies

G. Michael Crooch, a former member of the Financial Accounting Standards Board and Arthur Andersen veteran, died on Nov. 24 at the age of 73.

Crooch served on the board for two terms, from 2000 to 2008, after retiring from Big Five firm Arthur Andersen, where he had been a partner and director of its International Professional Standards Group.

“We are deeply saddened by the death of our friend and former colleague Mike Crooch,” FASB Chairman Russell Golden said in a statement. “During his tenure on the FASB, Mike provided invaluable perspective and insight as the board worked toward guidance on such major projects as stock-based compensation, business combinations, the conceptual framework, and numerous efforts to make standards more comparable across international borders. Personally, we’ll never forget Mike’s dedication, kindness, humor, and friendship. A true gentleman, he will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him. We join with Mike’s wife of 48 years, Janet, and their two sons, Joshua and Ben, in remembering and honoring the life of a remarkable man.”

Born in Oklahoma in 1943, Crooch earned a BS in Accounting from Oklahoma State University and a Ph.D in Business Administration, with a concentration in accounting, from Michigan State University. He rose to full professor at OSU between 1970 and 1978, and joined Andersen in 1979. He was admitted as a partner in 1981.

In addition, Crooch served as the American Institute of CPAs’ delegate to the International Accounting Standards Committee, and served on the IASC’s Executive; he also served on the AICPA’s Accounting Standards Executive Committee, including three years as chair. He received numerous professional awards and honors, and was also active in his local community.

Funeral services will be held on Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. at the Malone Funeral Home, in Geneva, Ill. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to the Greater Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimers Association, or Geneva Community chest.

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