Friends of Mike George

Senator Stabenow Statement on Death of Michael George
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today made the following statement on the passing of Michael George, a life-long leader in the Chaldean community of Michigan:

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Michael George. His business prowess and philanthropy inspired so many, and he gave back selflessly to strengthen the Chaldean community in Detroit and throughout Michigan. His work to protect refugees from Iraq and throughout the Middle East speaks to his deep passion for his people. My condolences and prayers go out to his friends, family and the Chaldean community in Michigan as we grieve his loss.”

Michael J. George’s legacy will be the people he inspired to lead metro Detroit
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder offered the following statement following the passing of Michael J. George.

“Michael J. George was a metro Detroit leader, known for his community and business leadership, but also for his warmth and kindness.

“He is a classic Michigan and American success story, building a family business from a single milk route into the Melody Farms dairy business known to people across the region. He was a driving force in the formation of the First Bank of Michigan, focused on helping small businessmen grow and thrive.

“But Mr. George also will be remembered for his embrace of the metro Detroit Chaldean community, including recent efforts to help thousands of minority Christians flee violence and persecution in the Middle East.

“Detroit, and Michigan as a whole, is a better place because of Michael J. George and the people he inspired. Their success will be his legacy.

“Sue and I will keep his wife, Najat, and all of Mr. George’s family in our thoughts and prayers.”

This was a giant of a man, not just a great man but a true giant. He was a friend, a mentor and for all of us, you, me, Mike Sarafa and thousands of others a man who brought sunshine into our lives.

– Dennis C. Muchmore, Chief of Staff Governor Rick Snyder, Michigan

I wish to express my condolences on the passing of Mike George. He was truly an Icon in the Chaldean community and everywhere else. I got to know him fairly well in the Melody Farms days, when I was the auditor for Risdon Bros, Dairy and Twin Pines. I would see him around town quite a bit and then got reengaged when Diane D’Agostini and my daughter Cheryl were running for judgeships. He was a very fine person and always remembered and acknowledged me when ever I saw him. He is a legend and a great loss to our community. There aren’t many leaders like him around any more. God bless him and his family and rejoice for what a great life he had and all the good things he contributed to others.

– Bill Matthews,  Former Managing Partner, Plante Moran

Statement on the passing of Michael George:

“My condolences go out to the family of Michael George on the passing of a true patriarch of our county, region, state and country. Mr. George was a pioneering entrepreneur who helped so many families escape persecution in Iraq and start a new life in the Detroit area. Our hearts are with our friends in the Chaldean Community, and our hopes are that a new generation of leaders will follow Mr. George’s example in business, community and philanthropy.”

– Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner

“Mike has been an outstanding leader in business, in our community and to everyone who shares a Middle Eastern heritage.  His accomplishments provided inspiration to all of us and he was a great friend and mentor to me and countless others who were fortunate enough to know him. We will never forget all the good works he has done and our thoughts and prayers are with his family whom he loved so much.”

– Former U.S. Senator and Secretary of Energy, Spence Abraham