As an editor at the Dallas Morning News, Mike Maza probably wouldn’t have called himself an advocate for the arts. My guess is he’d say Journalists only advocate for stories and readers. And when there were conflicts between the two – a few memorable calls from influential readers complaining about a restaurant or theater review come to mind – his priority was clear. He had a backbone and good ideas. He nurtured writers and fought for stories, ultimately giving us all a clearer picture of cultural life in North Texas.

Critic Scott Cantrell put it well in the DMN’s obituary today:

“He was every writer’s dream no-nonsense editor, and, as a human being, radiated unflappable decency“

Mike’s career was one of service to our community. Those of us who knew his work miss him.