Blaz Orlando Scalici passed away in Big Rapids on April 10, 2026. He was born on October 11, 2006 to Larry Scalici and Marriellen (Stevens) in Big Rapids.

A small town boy at heart, Blaz loved all things diesel trucks and bonfires. He enjoyed attending car shows and often helped family and friends with vehicle maintenance, something Blaz learned from his dad. He was deeply patriotic, and was thrilled for his little sister to enlist in the United States Army. Blaz and Viktoria argued and bickered like no other siblings, but their love for one another remains unconditional. Life's simple pleasures, like hunting, fishing, music, and cats brought Blaz great joy. He had an old soul and a huge heart.

Blaz will be lovingly remembered by so many people, including his parents: Larry and Mari; sister: Viktoria Scalici; grandmother: Ellen Stevens; aunts and uncles: Tiffany Stevens, Ruth Stevens, Teddy Stevens II, Kathy (Ron) Jaster and Betsy, Julie Hilliker and Stacey, Rachel, Jenny, Bob Strickland; cousins: Alexander, Maddi, and Jaxson; many second cousins; his beloved cat: Rocky "Little Man"; as well as many close cousins and friends he considered family.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents: Lawrence O. Strickland, Karla Scalici, and Teddy Stevens I; aunts: Kim Thompson, Karin Suydam, Shirley Ann Nichols, Eileen Fraley; uncles: Kevin Hilliker, Kenneth Hilliker Jr., Lawrence E. Strickland, and Ralph Fraley; special friend and hunting buddy: Carl Oakes; and his dear neighbor: Jack Sousley.

A memorial will be held for Blaz on Monday, April 20, 2026 at The Woods Free Methodist Church, 7486 Stanwood Dr, Stanwood, MI 49346. Visitation will begin at 3:30 PM, the service will take place at 4:30 PM, and a luncheon will follow. A celebration of Blaz's life will be held at a later date. Arrangments are in the care of Daggett Gilbert Funeral Homes, Big Rapids. To leave a memory or share a condolence, please visit, www.daggettfuneral.com (http://www.daggettfuneral.com/)