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 hosted 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
as 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 hosted 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 www.highlandparkfh.com/obituaries/james-Michael-
Murray.
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.