Mike Grier, 1942-1998
Mike Grier, age 56, passed away on August 11, 1998. He was an owner of Sugar Shak-Daylight Doughnuts and a former plant manager at Dole Packing Company. Survivors in
clude his wife, Dickie; sons, Michael, Jr., Ryan, Chad; daughters Robyn Guereque, Kris Byfield; parents, Hershel and Billie; sister, Pat Beyer, all of Wichita; and seven grandchildren. Memorials have been established with Hospice, Inc. and Make-a-Wish.
At East, Mike was a guard on the football team and played spring baseball.
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I first knew of Mike when we were on opposing little league baseball teams in Wichita. I was a pitcher for my team. Whenever we played against each other, I knew Mike would be a hard out. He could hit about anything I threw at him. I was glad after a year or so when we became teammates together on the Maderos.
As football teammates at East, I had great appreciation for Mike’s skills. He played right guard on offense. I was quarterback. Whenever I called a play for which Mike was a key blocker, I knew it would likely be a big gainer, and it usually was.
We attended many of the same social events. At one of his birthday parties at his house, I drew a pencil, profile sketch of Mike as a momento of our friendship.
After East, we headed in different directions. I was not at all surprised to hear of his successes in business. I was shocked and very saddened when I learned of his death, which came much too early in his life.
Mike was a natural athlete, a natural leader, and a natural friend. I miss him.