Riad Kattar Baz

Saginaw, Michigan

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at St. Mary’s Hospital, with his family at his side; at the age of 84 years. 

The son of the late Kattar and Wasilla (Tajildeen) Baz, Riad was born on December 19, 1938 in Beirut, Lebanon. He married Amal Eljurdi on May 6, 1969, in Lebanon; she survives him. Riad moved to the United States in 1974. He started employment at Schaffer Bakery, then later at Delphi for 25 years of loyal and dedicated service. Also, in 1978 with a generous heart, Riad started in a van delivering arabic foods to middle eastern families all over the state of Michigan, who otherwise would have had no access to these foods until he opened up the Baz Ethnic Grocery Store in 1981, in Downtown Saginaw which he and Amal ran for 33 years. He also owned and operated Baz Family Restaurant. Riad’s heart and passion was frequently returning to his hometown village of Baadarane in Lebanon. His role of a lifetime was being a compassionate, empathic, caring, loving, generous leader and family man. Riad’s peace of mind was being surrounded by his loving family while building a legacy of leadership infused with love and a strong family bond between his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews.

Left to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy besides his wife, Amal Baz; are there three daughters and one son: Rwaida (Roy) Baz Bates, Rania (Johnny) Baz McCallum, Rima (Wissam) Baz-Tarabieh, Kattar Riad Baz; grandchildren: Jasmine (Salman) Aljerdi, Robbie Eldoueik, Ryan Eldoueik, Lee Bates, Aaliyah McCallum, Rami Bates, Daniel Tarabieh: great-grandbaby: Adam Aljerdi; sister: Nadia Baz. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Riad was preceded in death by his brother: Fawzi; and four sisters: Zakia, Hadia, Latifie, and Najla. 

Funeral Service will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, Michigan 48603. Sheikh Imad Kamel Safa will officiate. Friends may visit with the family 12:00 p.m. until the time of service on Sunday at the funeral chapel. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or The Druze Orphanage & Charitable Organization. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.casefuneralhome.com.