On Friday, September 11, 2020 Hajj Nayef Saied Samhat, loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, died at the age of 94.

Born in Detroit, January 18, 1926, Nayef was one of six children to Saied and Amanda Samhat. Nayef's father immigrated from Lebanon, his mother was U.S. born, and together with their children, ran a successful grocery business on Detroit's East Side. In December 1943 Nayef enlisted in the Marines and served a term aboard the U.S.S. Salt Lake City. After he was discharged, Nayef returned to Detroit and in 1950 married his wife Frieda.

For 66 years, Nayef and Frieda shared an amazing marriage and were blessed by three children Judy (James), Saied (Gina), and Michael (Nadiya); eight grand-children Christopher (Kristi), Nayef, Ramzey (Amanda), Saied, Haider (Zainab), Alliya, Amanda (Ryan), and Gregory (Carol); and, four great-grandchildren Taylor, Cameron, Olivia, and Nicolas. Together they created a family full of love, laughter and memories that will endure for generations.

As a local businessman Nayef had several endeavors over the course of his career. In the 1960s he launched Towne Club Soda with his brother Harold. Perhaps his greatest business success was Samhat Tire and Samhat Auto Parts, which began in 1960 and he ran with his two sons, Saied and Michael, for nearly 40-years.

As a founding member of the Islamic Center of America, Nayef served on the Board of Directors and was an active member of the Dearborn and Detroit Muslim communities. Nayef completed the Hajj twice, each time in the company of friends that were lifetime companions. In 2020, he was recognized by the Wayne County Commissioners for his service in WWII, his history as a local business owner, and for his dedication to the Muslim community.

Nayef exemplified a man of character, integrity, faith, generosity, and unconditional love. His enjoyment of food, friendship, and family were his hallmarks along with road trips, Jeopardy, and an afternoon game of cards. He acknowledged often, sometimes with a tearful gaze, how blessed his life was and that any challenges paled in comparison to the reward of spending time with Frieda, seeing the world, visiting his grandchildren, or enjoying an afternoon coffee.

Private funeral services were held on Saturday September 12, 2020.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.