Memorial resolution for William W. Werntz;

              William W. Werntz
adopted by the executive committee of the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
RESOLVED, That the executive committee of the American Institute of Certified
Public Accountants record its deep sorrow on the death of William W. Werntz on
November 19, 1964.
Mr. Werntz had been given much — a keen, wide-ranging mind, an ability to
isolate the essential elements in even the most complex problems, a sensitivity to the
human factors involved in any situation, and a conscientious spirit which led him to
commit himself fully to causes that won his allegiance.
Because he was so richly endowed, he had much to give — and, he gave it freely,
without thought of himself.
He established a proud record in education, serving on the faculties of Yale
University, George Washington University, and the Wharton School at the University
of Pennsylvania, and acting in an advisory capacity to Columbia University, Rutgers
University and Pace College.
He earned further honors during more than a decade on the staff of the Securi­ties
and Exchange Commission, particularly as Chief Accountant of the SEC.
Shortly after becoming a partner in the accounting firm of louche, Ross, Bailey
& Smart in 1950, he began an almost continuous period of service to his profession
through participation in the work of the Institute. He was chairman of the committee on
accounting procedure for three years, and served on the Council, Trial Board, as a
member of the executive committee of the Commission on Standards of Education
and Experience for CPAs, on the special committee which designed the Institute's ex­panded
program of accounting research, and on a half dozen other committees.
While fulfilling these commitments, he also enriched the profession's literature with
speeches and articles of unusual depth and perception — contributions which are
certain to be consulted by accounting researchers for years to come.
Despite all of these professional obligations, he was still able to serve as a
member of the Borough Council of his home town of Glen Ridge, New Jersey, and as
chairman of the auditing committee of his church —where his common-sense wisdom
was deeply appreciated.
In view of his willingness to give so much of himself in the service of others, it
is tragically fitting that he should have been fatally stricken en route to attend an
Institute committee meeting.
Every CPA has benefited from the life of William W. Werntz; but his loss is felt
with special keenness by those who were privileged to know him by working with him
to advance the profession's best interests. They have been deprived of an invaluable
colleague —and a treasured friend.
The executive committee of the Institute extends its sympathy to his wife and
daughter, and to his professional associates in his firm.
46 THE QUARTERLY