Former president of Grand Rapids Label dies
Posted by Keith Essenburg | The Grand Rapids Press July 07, 2008



EAST GRAND RAPIDS -- While William W. Muir was prominent in business and the community, he was not one to seek recognition.


William W. Muir"He never sought the spotlight, but he was there in so many different ways and touched so many people," said Will Muir, his son.

Mr. Muir, 71, died Sunday at his East Grand Rapids home after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) -- a progressive, neurodegenerative muscular disease also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. He was the former president of family-owned Grand Rapids Label Co.

Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Wednesday at First United Methodist Church, 227 E. Fulton St., with the Rev. Gary Haller officiating.

Mr. Muir took over as Grand Rapids Label president for his late father. Mr. Muir's grandfather had founded the business. Will Muir said the challenges that accompanied Mr. Muir's abrupt rise in the company with his father's sudden death seasoned him for a lifetime of cool-headed problem solving.

"He weathered the challenges and did it well. And because of that, he was never out to prove anything to anybody," said Will, who has succeeded his father as Grand Rapids Label president. "He would walk into any situation and was never really overwhelmed by it."

Will said his father put a premium on ethical business practices, even when it cost him.

Mr. Muir was named Small Businessman of the Year in 1991 by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce.

He also was active with several nonprofits and loved boating, naming his last two watercraft Tinker Toy.

While he loved business and the community, Mr. Muir always made time for family.

"No matter what was going on, he made a point of making it there," Will said. "I never felt that the business came ahead of me.

Mr. Muir is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kathleen; a daughter, Elizabeth; two sons, Will and David; and three grandchildren.

Visitation is 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Metcalf and Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking memorial contributions go to the ALS Clinic through St. Mary's Doran Foundation, 200 Jefferson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.