Tax Prof Charles O. Galvin, Distinguished Professor Emeritus and former Dean of SMU, died on Jan. 27 at the age of 91. From the SMU press release:

“Dean Galvin was one of the greatest deans in the history of the law school and one of the foremost tax professors of his time,” said John B. Attanasio, Dean of SMU’s Dedman School of Law.” …

Dean Galvin began his impressive academic career at SMU, where he received his B.S.C. degree with highest honors in 1940.  Subsequently, he earned an M.B.A. degree with distinction from Northwestern University before serving in the United States Navy in World War II with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Dean Galvin returned to Northwestern after the war and received his Juris Doctor degree in 1947 and later, his S.J.D. from Harvard. …

In 1952, Dean Robert G. Storey invited Dean Galvin to join the SMU Law School faculty, where he remained for more than 30 years.  From 1963-1978, he served as Dean.  Dean Galvin was the Centennial Professor of Law at Vanderbilt University from 1983-1990.  He also taught at Harvard, Michigan, Northwestern, Duke, Pepperdine, UT-Austin and the University of Kansas. 

He wrote numerous important works on federal tax law and other subjects in collaboration with Boris Bittker. 

• Obituary (Austin American-Statesman)
• Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog