Sam Hagenian

Sam Hagenian of Novi, MI, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at 92. Devoted husband of Antoinette (Toni) nee Vogel for 59 years. Loving father to Kathy (Tim McDonald) Hagenian, Michael (Karen) Hagenian, Liz (Jack) Buoscio. Devoted Grandpa to Sean, Kasey, Luke, Nicole, Alex, Samantha, Olivia, and Ben. Brother of the late Mikel (Beryl) Hagenian. Sam was born to Dikranhouhi nee Djebidelikian and Missak (Mike) Hagenian on April 22, 1927 in Detroit, MI. From an early age, Sam and his younger brother Mike helped their parents in operating the family store in Highland Park, MI. During his father's prolonged illness, Sam found a way to further contribute to the family's income. Earnest and hard-working, he created his own ‘network’ of newsboys, securing street corners for distribution and sales outside nearby factories. Favorite childhood activities included participation in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Sam loved drafting, designing, and building any and everything, from electronics to furniture. He demonstrated his skills early on when he received an award from the US Navy for building a usable Scale Model Aircraft. His family benefited greatly from his expertise. He was an original DIY pioneer, able to complete most renovations and repairs on his own. He later assisted his adult children with numerous home improvement projects. And his grandchildren loved having him help with model crafts and Pinewood Derby cars. After graduating from Cass Technical High School, Sam enlisted in the Navy in 1945 and served in active duty for 14 months. When the war ended he was honorably discharge from active service and spent the rest of his time in the reserves. He spent two years in Highland Park Junior College and completed his BA in Business at Michigan State College (now MSU), where he was an active member of Psi Upsilon Fraternity. Sam really enjoyed driving. Between college semesters, his keen sense of direction served him well as a cabbie in Detroit. Sam knew the metro Detroit streets like the back of his hand, and was always ready to offer directions on the 'best way to get there'. His love of cross-country road trips began when he creatively found a way to finance a college road trip to watch Michigan State in the Rose Bowl, by offering to deliver a car to California for a local car dealer. The cross country road trips continued throughout his life with favorite family destinations being out west, down south, and even two trips to Mexico. Sam spent the majority of his career as Vice President of RC Merchant Company, a manufacturer’s representative for the electronics industry. He was introduced to the love of his life by his best friend, Al Ellis. Toni was a stewardess for Eastern Airlines at the time, and was entering the Book Cadillac Hotel in Detroit after a flight to meet up with Al and his friend. Upon first sight, Sam told Al, “I’m going to marry her”. Sam was a lifetime member of the Detroit Yacht Club. Never having sailed, he joined the club primarily for the bowling! He was a fixture in the Wednesday night league from the late 1950’s through the early 1980’s, anchoring his team and holding various officer positions including president of the league over these years. Sam and Toni spent 26 years raising their family in Lathrup Village, MI. A couple of years after their youngest graduated from college they retired to Scottsdale, AZ. Sam loved the mountains and he and Toni spent eight years enjoying their time as empty nesters. They returned to the Detroit area in 2000 to be closer to family and spent the next 18 years living in South Lyon and then Novi, MI. Sam wore many hats during his long life, but his favorite had to be his title of “Grandpa”. No baby could resist falling asleep in his arms while he sang “Streets of Lorado”. (We don’t think he actually knew all the lyrics of the song. If you look it up, you’ll understand!) Grandpa Sam had endless patience for his precious grandchildren; he never got tired of playing games or reading books with them. He especially enjoyed teaching them how to play cards “according to Hoyle” as they graduated from Go Fish to Black Jack over the years. Sam was known to all as a thoughtful and generous soul who touched the hearts of many. He never met a ‘stranger’ and took great joy in helping others, no matter how great or small the task. A private family service was held in celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Lewy Body Dementia Association would be appreciated. https://www.lbda.org/donate. The family welcomes memories, photos, and messages in this guest book.

Sam Hagenian

April 22, 1927 - January 9, 2020