Richard Paul Sayig II

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Richard Paul Sayig II, aged 58, on December 2nd, 2018. A beloved husband, father, friend, coach, and entrepreneur, Rich’s memory lives on in the hearts of the countless people he held near and dear. He is survived by his wife Bridjet, sister Linda (Jacques), children Lauren (Kevin), Richard, John (Emily), and step-children Joshua (Emily), Nicholas, Zachary, and Rebecca.

Rich’s selflessness and generosity were best displayed through his personal relationships. He was a devoted husband and partner, who cherished and adored his wife, Bridjet. A loving father who put himself last and protected and provided for his children through great hardship and adversity. A caring friend who did many favors and never forgot a birthday. A dedicated coach who spent years volunteering to help boys grow as athletes and men. An astute businessman whose people skills garnered respect and allowed him to grow a small hockey memorabilia shop into an international success.

Rich’s best times were lived out surrounded by family and friends at his lakeside sanctuary in Fife Lake, Michigan. It was there that family and friends would enjoy watersports, campfires, fireworks, barbecues, and outings to the casino. The people he loved will always cherish and value these memories in particular, as they represent Rich at his very best.

Rich’s wish was for friends and family to share their beloved memories of him at his memorial service. We encourage anyone who would like to share their cherished memories with Rich to attend the service on Saturday, December 8th. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to St. Jude Children's Hospital are appreciated.

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All who knew Rich would agree that he was larger than life and a steady rock in the lives of those around him. Whether someone needed concert tickets, a hotel room, a listening ear, or a piece of advice, he was there no matter the personal sacrifice. Richard was an entrepreneur at heart, and although he accomplished so much of which to be proud, he was a humble man whose greatest joy was found in the love he shared with his family. Taken from his loved ones far too soon, he will never be forgotten.

On January 25, 1960, Richard and Beverly Sayig announced the birth of their baby boy named Richard Paul Sayig II, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the younger of two as he joined his family, welcomed by his older sister, Linda. His earlies years were spent living in Detroit until his family moved to Livonia where he would call home for the remainder of his life.

From his earliest days Richard was a bustle of activity. He enjoyed playing both hockey and baseball from a young age, was a Boy Scout, and spent a lot of time with his cousin, Robert. Richard had a newspaper route when he was about 10 years old, which wasn't without incident as one time he was sent running for the hills when chased by a loose dog. Richard attended Livonia Public Schools, and by the time he was in junior high school his entrepreneurial spirit began to shine. He bought large bags of candy and sold them by the piece to other students. By the time he was a student at Stevenson High School he was selling concert and sporting event tickets before Ticketmaster was even a thing. Richard was also an excellent golf player on his high school golf team which led to a lifetime love of the game.

Throughout his life Rich was known for his ability to turn any idea into a money-making reality. He was the life of any party in his early twenties as he spent some time as a radio personality called the Blazer Bully on WLLZ radio. He spent several years traveling around the country finding various jobs along the way and once was an extra in a movie while working at a hotel in New Orleans. Richard especially loved living in Colorado Springs and Alaska. Later, he began a small memorabilia company out of his garage that eventually grew into Hockeyink.com, an international hockey autograph industry.

There was never anything of greater importance in Richard’s life than his loved ones. He spent the past 29 years being an amazing father to his children, and it was easy to see that his wife was the center of his world. Life was forever changed for Rich when he met the love of his life, Bridjet, on August 14, 2004, at Ford Field during the first ever Detroit Lions game played in the new stadium. Fate brought them both there, and there was a connection between them that neither could deny. Two-and-a-half years later, they had their first of many 12-hour dates, and from that point forward they were inseparable. They were married five years later December 6, 2011, in Las Vegas. Between them, Richard and Bridjet had 7 children, Lauren, Joshua, Nicholas, Richard II, John, Zachary and Rebecca. He showed his wife daily what love truly is, and he never missed a moment to show her how special she was to him. Rich was the best doggie daddy to their loyal Rottweiler, Blue.

Living his life like it was an adventure, Rich’s goal was to make even the smallest moments fun. When his children were young, they took many family vacations around the country, with a favorite being Las Vegas. Over the past 12 years, he and his wife loved trips to Vegas, Paradise Island in the Bahamas, and she even persuaded him to sail with her on a few Caribbean Cruises. However, their most cherished spot to vacation could be found in their cozy home in Northern Michigan where they spent each weekend and all summer together making enough loving memories to last a lifetime. Rich loved to gamble and was a highly skilled table games player, especially when it came to Black Jack and Craps. He coached hockey and baseball for many years, and he loved making things and then bringing them to fruition all from the plans he created in his head rather than on paper. Richard’s favorite time of the year was winter, he loved the snow and listening to Christmas music year-round. He enjoyed going to concerts, plays and musicals. One of his favorites being Fiddler on the Roof, he could recite the entire playbook from memory. When it came to music Richard primarily listened to country music, but also loved relaxing to Kenny G, Louis Armstrong, and Queen was one of his favorite old-time bands. He loved old Western movies, and his favorite shows were currently Shark Tank and Walker Texas Ranger.

All of Rich’s family and friends fully appreciated that there was no one like him. He woke up happy every morning and had a way of making every day fun. His giant personality drew others near with ease, and his fantastic sense of humor made an unforgettable impression on others everywhere he went. He was generous beyond compare, and he was a natural born protector who looked out for his family and friends to no end. Richard was extremely confident, which could be intimidating, but once he got to know someone it was clear that he was the most kind and gentle person around with a heart of pure gold. He had an amazing memory, and his brain was like a human calculator. Richard never shied away from doing what he felt was the right thing. He often said that it is better to ask for forgiveness than permission. A friend of Richard’s was a friend for life, and he put forth the time and effort to remain in touch as maintaining his relationships was always a priority.

The heartbeat of any gathering, Rich was unforgettable. He loved making others smile and laugh, and his zest for life was contagious to all who were near. Richard was always there when someone needed him, and his endless stream of ideas was inspiring. A loving, devoted husband and father, loyal friend, and all-around amazing man, Richard Paul Sayig II will never be forgotten.

Richard Paul Sayig II, age 58. A beloved husband, father, friend, coach, and entrepreneur, Rich’s memory lives on in the hearts of the countless people he held near and dear. He is survived by his wife Bridjet, sister Linda (Jacques), children Lauren (Kevin), Richard, John (Emily), and step-children Joshua (Emily), Nicholas, Zachary, and Rebecca. Visitation Friday 1-8 p.m. and 10 a.m. until time of funeral service 1pm at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home 30200 Five Mile (Between Middle Belt and Merriman) in Livonia.