Abraham Saiz Jr., age 63, of Zeeland, passed away on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, after a long courageous battle with cancer.
Abraham was born in San Antonio, Texas on July 12, 1959, to Bertha & Abraham Saiz Sr and relocated to Holland at a young 6 months of age, quickly picking up the nickname “Cookie.” He had a one-of-a-kind laugh with a bigger-than-life personality. Abraham was always the life of the party and a pleasure to be around. He had a competitive spirit, quick wit, and a big heart for people. His energy was contagious. If you heard the name “Cookie”, a few things came to mind: Tejano music, tacos, tamales, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Cookie played with bands for nearly 50 years. Introduced to music at an early age, he started playing drums at the age of 14, eventually finding a love for the guitar and singing. In the blink of an eye, he became a truly gifted guitar player and vocalist. The majority of his musical career, he played and managed for a period of time, and is most known for being part of Karizma Band. Throughout the years, he played with many local and regional Tejano bands throughout the Midwest and surrounding states, like the Outsiders and Grupo Viento to name a few. Cookie always mentioned he had played with some great musicians and was grateful for making some lifelong friends along the way.
Abraham was also an amazing cook and loved to host cookouts, as well as, Super Bowl and New Year’s parties. If you came to visit, you would be smart to give him a heads up, as he was sure to have food and desserts ready and waiting. Cookie had a passion for cooking and took pleasure in feeding others. Out of all the great dishes, the local favorites were his tacos and tamales. So highly requested he began to personally deliver daily to area factories for breakfast and lunch.
Abraham met the love of his life, Erika, at work, in the restaurant industry. They had a joyous 14 years of marriage and would have celebrated 15 years of marriage, in just less than a week after his passing.
He was also the biggest Steelers fan anyone could ever meet. This die-hard loyalty was rooted in the great players and talent of the Steelers in the 1970s combined with a profiting lucky streak.
Cookie was a firm believer and grateful for the grace and mercy of our Savior Jesus Christ. Family, music, food, and friends were his life. Abraham was surrounded by his family in his last days of life. He is loved and he will truly be missed by his family, who will have that void of hearing him on stage singing his heart out and screaming at that TV while the Steelers mess up a play.
Abraham is preceded in death by his parents, Bertha and Abraham Saiz Sr., and his grandson Mateo. He is survived by his wife Erika of 14 years; children, Rachel (Arturo), Sonya (Jason), Albert, Abraham III, and Promesa; stepchildren, Fernanda and Erick; grandchildren, Daniel (Kendra), Dominique (Bonifacio), Tony, Angelica, Jerry, Alex, Maralisse, Max, Mercedes, Luke, Sam, Magdalene, Annasti, Heaven, Ishmael, Gabriel, Elijah, Abraham, Isaac, Jeriah, and Daniela; great-grandchildren, Alyana and Leo; brother Albert (Maria) of Alaska; nieces, Velen, Rachel, Michelle, and Linda; nephew, Michael.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 12, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, with a Funeral Mass following at 11 am at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 171 West 13th Street, Holland. A Burial Ceremony will be held following mass at 12:30 pm in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Saiz family to defray funeral expenses.
Funeral arrangements are by the Northwood Chapel.
