26/10/2024
In memory of Karen Murphy – I met Karen in the late 1990’s when she was hosting an event for haunters in Michigan. She planned workshops and gatherings for haunted house owners and haunt actors. I thought it was awesome that someone would volunteer their time to help so many people learn about the haunted house business.
This was part of the inspiration for the development of the Midwest Haunters Convention (MHC). I saw how she developed training workshops and worked with haunted house owners to plan an event for an industry gathering in Michigan. She lived in Michigan and helped countless number of haunted attractions. She worked on hearse gatherings too.
The attached picture was taken during the first MHC held in Columbus (2004) and Karen was there representing IAHA (the International Association of Haunted Attractions). She’s in the middle between Beth and Bob Turner.
I spoke with Karen at many haunt conventions where she volunteered to help with the planning and behind the scenes preparation for shows. She also assisted with haunt bus tours and parties. We would have lengthy conversations (yes Karen loved to talk about the haunt industry) while sitting around at the end of a long day at a show or we would spend an hour or more talking on the phone.
We talked just a couple weeks ago after her stay in a hospital and she was home recovering. She was sad she wouldn’t be involved in a haunt this season, but knew she needed to stay home and get her strength back.
I’m shocked and sadden by her passing. I’m missing one of her big hugs right now…. I guess its fitting that someone who loved Halloween so much has passed in October, just a few days before Halloween. She will be sadly missed by so many. I’ll end with “Anyway” which is how many of our conversations slowly came to a close….
