Michael J. Mulroney

Michael J. Mulroney, 74, a Helena attorney died unexpectedly at his home in Helena on Feb. 12, 2007.

Michael was born on Nov. 15, 1932, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served four years in the Navy, seeing action in the Korean War conflict. Michael regaled us all with stories of his time in the service, especially serving onboard the USS Yorktown.

Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Michael enrolled in the University of Iowa and attended the University of Iowa Law School. In 1962, he was admitted to the Montana Bar. Shortly after, Michael traveled to Washington, D.C., and began working with the Internal Revenue Service in the Corporate Reorganization Division.

While in Washington, D.C., Michael met and married Ann Bonner who was and would always remain the love of his life. Michael and Ann had one child, Kathleen Leonard.

Michael thoroughly enjoyed serving as Kathleen's assistant during her horse show career. He worked from 1968 to 1976 as assistant general counsel for the Wachovia Corporation. Tired of living on the East Coast, Michael packed up his family and relocated to the wilds of Montana. Originally a partner in the law firm of Scribner, Huss and Mulroney, Michael later joined the law firm of Luxan & Murfitt and remained there until the time of his retirement. After his retirement from the active practice of law, Michael was appointed by Gov. Judy Martz to serve on the State Tax Appeal Board. He thought it was ironic that he should be serving on the State Tax Appeal Board when his father, the Honorable John E. Mulroney, had been appointed by President Eisenhower to serve on the United States Tax Court.

Michael loved life to the fullest. His friends and acquaintances can all recount the great stories and sense of humor that Michael possessed. In addition to the love of the law, Michael loved flying airplanes. He was particularly proud of receiving the Wright Brothers Master Pilot award from the Federal Aviation Administration. The award is presented to pilots who exhibit professionalism, skill and aviation expertise for at least 50 years. One of Michael's fondest achievements was restoring a World War II airplane affectionately known as Mrs. Miniver. Michael continued to own and fly the plane up until the time of his death. Michael was an avid reader who would have at least three or four different books on various sundry topics going at any one time. All who had an opportunity to know, work, and laugh with Michael will miss that infectious Irish grin and sense of humor.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, the Honorable John E. Mulroney; his mother, Martha Mulroney; and a sister, Ann Katherine Mulroney.

He is survived by Ann Mulroney of Portland, Ore.; a daughter, Kathleen Leonard, and granddaughter, Elsa Sean Leonard of Portland; a sister, Patricia Thom of Texarkana, Texas; and a niece, Gretchen Thom Cobb of Texarkana.

Michael would have wanted all of us to know and remember - "keep the blue side up."

Cremation has taken place. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery. Immediately following the graveside, a gathering will be held to celebrate our dear friend Michael's life at the Montana Club beginning at 3 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the Montana Antique Aircraft Association or to an organization or charity of the donor's choice. Service arrangements are under the direction of Retz Funeral Home.

Express condolences at http://www.legacy.com/HelenaIR/.