Views
Opinion column
by Murrel Bland
Mike Murray was concerned about small business.
That was obvious when he was president of Business West in 1990. That year Mike and Business West held a luncheon of commercial Realtors from Greater Kansas City at The Woodlands. Mike made it very clear to those who attended that there were considerable development opportunities in western Wyandotte County with the coming of I-435.
He also stressed that Business West, founded by his neighbors, Joe and Katie Maderak, was an advocate for small business. A bus tour of potential development sites followed the luncheon.
I recall the Business West annual meetings that Mike and his extended family held for Business West at the Riverview Garden Center. The fellowship was enjoyable along with delicious barbecue.
Mike studied hydrology at Kansas State University at Manhattan. He also served one term as a member of the elected Board of Public Utilities.
I recall swapping stories about our earlier days when Mike and I worked at The Kansas City Star; he sold classified ads and I took photos and wrote stories.
Mike will be remembered as a jovial and personable fellow. He died June 4.
Friends and relatives may share memories of Mike at https://www.highlandparkfh.com/obituaries/James-Michael-Murray?obId=25065354#/celebrationWall
Murrel Bland is the former editor of The Wyandotte West and The Piper Press. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Business West.