4/26/1951 - 7/2/2024
It is highly probable that Graham County, Kansas native Mike Boss was born with a paintbrush in his right hand. His earliest art reflects the same expression as his most recent works. Trains, planes, cars, trucks, ships, boats - all those images that triggered the imagination of the boy continued to inspire the man. After graduating from Hill City High School, Mike majored in music at Southern Illinois University and Kansas State University.
As an historian, extensive research and detail went into every one of Mike's paintings, with each having a story of its own. His work is in galleries and the homes of private collectors around the world. Also an accomplished music conductor and bass player, Mike's music focused on the sounds of classical symphonies. He continued to play "Big Bertha" until pain in his arm and shoulder made it too difficult. The only thing fonder to Mike's heart than the canvas and his music was Buckwheat, his late and beloved toy poodle, who can still be found hanging out somewhere in all of his paintings.
Mike lived and worked creating his wonderful works of art in the place he affectionately called East Overshoe, a.k.a. Hill City, Kansas. Up until earlier this year, when chronic issues combined with sudden illness began to take its toll, Mike continued to paint. Even on his most difficult days near the end, the creative ideas and yearning to pick up a brush never stopped.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Lois Boss, his brother Richard Boss, aunts, uncles and cousins, his beloved Buckwheat, and, more recently, Buddy.
Mike leaves behind only a couple of distant relatives, and a whole host of friends from across the world who loved, appreciated, and will miss him dearly for who he was. A man with incredible skills & talents, humor & sarcasm, and the ability to light up the lives of so many with his music, art, and incredible knowledge of so many topics, including the night skies. A paint brush in his hand brought him many hours of enjoyment with each piece he created. May you rest in peace, Mike. The world here is definitely less colorful without you. Instead of looking up to the sky you are now a shining star beaming down at us. The heavens are now much brighter, more animated, and you have a whole new canvas to bring to life.
Interment of Mike's ashes will occur at a later date in the Boss family plot in the Morland City Cemetery, Morland, Kansas.
Those wishing to help Mike with final expenses are asked to please contact Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N Pomeroy Ave, Hill City, Kansas 67642.
Phone: 785-421-2177
Any proceeds will go to benefit the arts. Thank you so much for being Mike's friend. You meant the world to him.