Melvin John Sayyae, 88, of Kewadin, passed away on September 14, 2024, surrounded by his four children at home on Birch Lake.

Mel was born on July 3, 1936, in Detroit. He was the first of six children born to Melvin and Grace Sayyae. Mel's early years were modest. Determined to provide a better life for his future family, Mel enlisted in the Army after graduating from Holy Redeemer High School in 1955. During his service, he traveled to Europe and played outfield for the US Army Baseball Team. Mel was the biggest baseball fan you'd ever meet.

In 1958, Mel married Gloria Palm, whom he had met at a church social before his deployment. The couple settled in Hazel Park in the home Gloria's father had built, and they raised four children: Bradley, Annette, Julie, and Gregory. By day, Mel worked as a teamster, delivering liquor across metro Detroit. By night and on weekends, he was a devoted father, attending every sporting event his children participated in, including helping as part of the "Chain Gang" at Hazel Park High School for his son Brad's football games. His hard work paid off and his children went to college, an opportunity that was never afforded to him. He was the proudest dad.

Summers were spent at Mullet Lake, where Mel loved taking his kids, nieces, and nephews waterskiing and then afterwards he'd treat them to ice cream. Mel made the most of his time with his children, determined to provide them with experiences he had missed in his own childhood.

In 1996, after their children had grown, Mel and Gloria realized a lifelong dream by purchasing a lake house on Birch Lake, near Elk Rapids. The American Dream for Mel was spending days with Gloria reading the paper overlooking the lake. They'd spend summers with annual visits from their children, grandchildren, and even great grandchildren. Their deck that looked out onto Birch Lake would bring some of the fondest memories for all who visited them: evening family dinners, euchre games and of course, Mel's favorite chocolate birthday cake on July 3rd every year. Mel was known for his warmth, humor, and dedication to his family, often taking them fishing on his pontoon boat and baiting hooks for those who could not bear to do it.

Mel will be remembered for his kind spirit, cheerful disposition, his uncanny ability to recite sports statistics, and in later years, the same uncanny ability to recite Hallmark Christmas movies.

Mel is survived by his brother Bill (Dorothy) Sayyae; children Bradley, Annette (Jim) Heiden, Julie, and Greg (Nicolle) Sayyae; grandchildren Ashley (Jess) Neely, Ethan (Elizabeth) Heiden, Rachael (Zach) Blea, Alison and Emma Yardley, and Adam, Nate, and Joe Sayyae; great-grandchildren Kate Neely, Emma, Luke, Olivia Heiden, and Charlotte, Ryleigh, and Lincoln Blea; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 56 years, Gloria; his brother John, and his sisters Frances, Geraldine and Jeanine.

In remembrance of Mel, his family will hold a private celebration of life. In lieu of cards or flowers, Mel would be honored if you took time to enjoy a Tigers' baseball game or play a game of Euchre with friends or family in his memory. Donations to Hospice of Michigan are encouraged. The family extends their gratitude to Advisacare Hospice, especially Tina, Robin, Stacy, and Nicole.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.