REMEMBERING CRAIG RYAN KURZEJA

MR is saddened to report the passing of Craig Ryan Kurzeja, founder of Craig Ryan Fine Clothing, Michigan, with four successful stores in Birmingham, Grand Blanc, Harbor Springs, and Petoskey. A much-admired merchant who worked hard, played hard, and would do anything for friends and family, Craig survived an 8-year battle with pancreatic cancer and died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. He was 51 years old and is survived by his loving wife Rebecca, adored children Matthew, Alexia, Nicole, and Natasha, parents Carol and Patrick Kurzeja, father David Darwent, and numerous other family members and friends. In addition to retailing, Craig enjoyed playing hockey and was an avid Detroit sports fan. He was also famous for ordering all the desserts on the menu. What follows: a few tributes to a great man.

From friend and business partner Julian Delos Reyes: “Craig was a steadfast supporter, mentor, and friend from the moment I met him more than 12 years ago. When I was on the road as a Sales Rep, he was one of my biggest supporters and eventually became not just a friend but a business partner. Craig believed in betting on himself and his team, working tirelessly to achieve success—a legacy that will live on.
“He treated everyone like family, always ensuring they had what they needed. For Craig, going the extra mile wasn’t an exception—it was simply the right thing to do. Whether finding the ‘Perfect Sport Coat’ or ordering every dessert on the menu, he made every interaction meaningful.”

From Stephen Mullen, an employee who worked with Craig for 16 years: “Craig Kurzeja was a visionary retailer and merchandiser who prioritized creating meaningful shopping experiences. His greatest passion was the well-being of customers, though he valued family, friends, and colleagues even more. Craig was selfless and compassionate, always ready to help—like when he comforted a tailor distressed by an earthquake in her home country and donated generously to relief efforts, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
“Craig had a gift for recognizing potential in products, starting small and growing them into key successes—such as transforming Peter Millar into a top-selling brand across all four stores. He balanced risk with foresight, making him not just a great retailer but a treasured friend and mentor. His loss leaves a void in the retail world that will be deeply felt.”

From Keith Saltsman, an employee who worked with Craig for 20 years. “Craig was a talented merchant who was never afraid to push the envelope by moving into new markets to grow his business or try new resources to better serve his customers. He was a friend and boss who cared about the well-being of his employees. The office door was always open if you needed some counsel or just needed to bend his ear. When I came on board over 20 years ago, a gentleman who knew Craig sent me a note that said, ‘he’ll be the nicest guy you’ll ever work for!’ That turned out to be the case. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity.”

From Hagen Peyser, CEO of the Hagen menswear collection: “Craig and I were close friends for more than 20 years. During that time, we spoke nearly every other day; his wit and dry humor always made for a great day. His friendship and loyalty were second to none. When I first started Hagen almost seven years ago, he was one of the first people to commit in a very significant way. He came to see me at our suite in New York to review the initial line and handed me back the blank order form. He simply said, ‘Do whatever you need.’ I loved him like a brother and will miss him terribly.”

From Greg Locke, a Peter Millar rep who worked with Craig for nearly 20 years: “Simply said, Craig was a wonderful businessman and a more wonderful person. He was a very devoted friend and an exceptional merchant. In this day and age, running four successful stores as an independent merchant is a rare accomplishment. I will truly miss him.”

And from Howard Goldman, Jack Victor: “As a friend, Craig was always there for you, and generous to a fault. I remember working with him this past July and complimenting him on a nice watch he was wearing. He took it off his wrist and wanted me to me to keep it. He treated his employees exceptionally well. He was a super dad. And he was known to be the King of Desserts: I remember my first time out to dinner with him when he ordered every dessert on the menu!
“As for his merchandising skills: he had the eye! He recognized nice product and was always moving things around on the selling floor. When most retailers were closing stores, he was opening them. He knew how to buy, and he knew how to sell. When he decided to open a store in Birmingham five years ago, I reminded him how many luxury stores were already there. And he responded, ‘But no one is doing what I’m doing…’ Willing to take risks on new product, marrying Becky (one of the best things that ever happened to him), and bringing in Julian when he knew his time was limited, his legacy is ensured.

Craig’s funeral mass will be held on Friday, October 18th, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Fenton. It will be live-streamed on Craig’s obituary page at sharpfuneralhomes.com.