Michael C. Murray
April 17, 1953 – August 22, 2025
A celebration of Michael’s life will be held Saturday November 22nd, 2025 at the Comstock VFW 5990 E. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo MI 49048 from 2-5pm.
Obituary
Michael Charles Murray was born on April 17, 1953, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Herbert and Sally (Hinckley) Murray. He graduated Gull Lake High School and went on to earn his B.A. from Western Michigan University. Michael built a career as a Supervisor in Manufacturing, where he was respected for his work ethic, leadership, and dedication. He passed suddenly on Friday August 22nd, 2025.
On April 22, 1988, Michael married Kim (Vargason) Murray, where they raised two daughters, and went on to share 43 years filled with love, family, friends, and all the ups and downs life brings.
Michael is survived by his wife Kim; Daughters - Samantha (William) Dobbins and Julia Murray; his grandchildren - Olivia, Everly, and Daxton Dobbins, and Genevieve Coman; his siblings Katherine Murray, Stephen (Christine) Murray, and Anne Murray (Michael Annable), along with their children David Annable and Virginia (Drew) Hoyle. He had several cousins that he loved & was close to.
Michael was a voracious reader who loved his family, cooking, traveling, and watching old movies. He was an avid gardener, griller, and fisherman. During his free time, he could be found on Gull Lake with family or watching football. He highly valued giving back to his community through his volunteer work with the Kalamazoo Coalition for the Unhoused, Kalamazoo Mobile Closet and Loaves & Fishes, where he was dedicated to helping others.
Michael will be remembered for his intelligence, warmth, humor, and the love he poured into his family and friends.
Anyone who knew Michael, knew how staunchly he stood for human rights and the welfare of all people. He believed in morality, truth, and taking care of one another in any way possible. He adored NPR, and due to recent issues, was very worried about their funding. So, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to NPR/Michigan Public Radio. https://www.npr.org/donations/support
“Home again, home again, ziggity zag.”
We are both so saddened by Michael’s passing, especially since he was so full of life! Between summer weekends in Grand Haven and less often, but no less fun, winter get togethers in Venice and Nokomis Beach we all had great times together. Our love to all of you, Beth and Paul
Sweet Michael! You were smart, loquacious, a hoot, and loved your family. It was wonderful being with you and being a part of your conversations and how you viewed the world. Righteous and gentle and you never abided hate.
I just want to say how deeply saddened I am by Michael’s passing. I have fond memories of many summer vacations in Grand Haven, and although not as often winter weekends in Nokomis and Venice, Florida.
Our best memories of Michael were usually in conversation around the table, or while watching him cook for us. Even though we only got together a few times a year, it was so easy to pick up where we left off. He was such a smart guy, well read and well informed. Our conversations about the world around us would be lively, but he was also genuinely interested in what was happening in our lives. We feel so fortunate to have known Michael and Kim and their family over many decades. Tom and I miss him, and we think of him often.
So sorry to hear of my friend Mike’s passing. We went to high school together. Even shared a house in Kalamazoo when we were both attending Western Michigan University. I have so many memories of Mike that I don’t know where to start. What a character! What fun!