Michel Salem Nasif, D.D.S.
Michel Salem Nasif, D.D.S., known to many as “Butch” died March 28, 2022, at the age of 75. Born May 14, 1946, he was a loving son to the late Machail “Mack” and Catherine (Mahfooz-Coury) Nasif and brother to Rhoda (Nasif) McCall.
Married for 45 years, he was a loving husband to Alice (Goist) Nasif and proud father to Michel C. and Blake S. Nasif. He was a wonderful “Jedo” to Michel and Rema’s two daughters, Jordan (4) and Mila (2).
Michel was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan and attended JW Sexton High School, and was part of the 1963 Sexton Football State Championship team. He completed his undergraduate studies at Michigan State University and graduated from The University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1972. Dr. Nasif retired in 2016 after practicing in the Lansing area for 44 years. During those years he was an active member of the American Dental Association and the Michigan Dental Association where he also held committee chairmanships.
A lifelong Wolverine in a city of Spartans, he was an avid U of M fan, always cheering on the Maize and Blue while creating friendships and memories throughout his life. He cherished fishing trips to Canada and traveling far and wide with family and friends.
Michel will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, boisterous personality and compassion for others. His sincere honesty toward life and his loyalty and love for his family, friends, and profession will not be forgotten.
Visitation will be held on Friday, April 8, 2022, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel from 2-4 p.m. (Trisagion service at 3:30) and 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1701 E. Saginaw St., Lansing on Saturday, April 9 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a memorial meal for family and friends and then a private burial.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Michel’s honor to Alzheimer Research, C/O Alzheimer’s Association, 2111 University Park Drive, Ste 200, Okemos, MI 48864, Sparrow Home Hospice, 1210 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48915.
59 Messages to “Michel Salem Nasif, D.D.S.”
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Paul and Debbie Gentilozzi
March 28, 2022 at 5:17 pmSo sorry Alice Michel and Blake. We have been friends since our boys were in preschool. As friends, neighbors and patients of your family we are heartbroken. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Wishing you peace!
Rick and Linda Merrifield
March 29, 2022 at 4:21 pmAlice and family, Please accept our condolences on Butch’s passing! He was a great fellow and a well respected dentist in the Dental community. I remember first meeting him and Dr. DeLuca as they were starting their dental careers when they worked from Dr. William Brooks’s office! I was just starting mine as a dental hygienist! Hugs and many prayers for you all.
Phyllis and Don Schmitz
April 10, 2022 at 2:35 pmOur condolences go out to your family. We have had the privilege of knowing Michel (Butch) all thru high school and thereafter as a friend and family dentist. We are sincerely sorry for your loss. His warm personality was a reflection of what type of person he was. The Class reunions always served as a connector to all the fond memories we continued to have of Butch. He will be sorely missed. God bless.
Thomas N. Latimer
March 29, 2022 at 4:59 pmI had the honor and pleasure to know Dr. Nasif both professionally and personally. He was a very unique individual and will be missed, not only by family but by patients and friends.
Gene & Mary O'Connor
March 29, 2022 at 5:54 pmAlice, Michel and Blake. We are so sorry to learn of Michel(Butch)’s passing. Our sons athletic endeavors caused our paths to cross over the years. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family during this difficult time. Gene and Mary O’Connor
Whitney Echols, Jr.
March 29, 2022 at 6:39 pmAlice and the Nasif Family. Many of you don’t know me but I met Butch and Alice through the Vartaanian brothers, Dan and Dennis. While Butch and Alice were at the beach we becamse friends and I throughly enjoyed their company. What a great family and great friends. I was shocked to hear abour Butch’s health condition so shortly after retirement. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers during these hard times. We all will surely miss Butch.
Robert & Patricia Brickner
March 29, 2022 at 7:14 pmOur family’s dentist since 1979, a serious but caring person and excellent dentist. Our condolences to Alice and the entire family.
Grace DeShaw-Wilner
March 29, 2022 at 8:14 pmI’m very sorry to learn of Michel’s passing. It was an honor and a privilege to work with him on his numerous volunteer leadership positions with the Michigan Dental Association. I could count on him for his sage advice, and he would tolerate my reminding him of his MSU roots. He always…always… reminded me that family came first. He made a difference…particularly in the areas of standard of care and ethics and I’m so very grateful for having known him.
Missy Kloeckner (McDaniels)
March 29, 2022 at 8:53 pmMy condolences to your wonderful family. So many great memories I will cherish. Mr. Nasif was one of kind and always had a great smile.
Marta HerreraZamora
March 30, 2022 at 12:26 amDr. Nasif was a great Dentist and an extraordinary human being. He helped me 23 years ago when I came from Cuba with my family, mom and dad. We are heart broken and really sad after hearing about his passing. I will always cherish good memories of him in the office. An extraordinary human being. Our condolences to everyone in the family.
Dr. Kyle Gulick and Dr. Daniel Gulick
March 30, 2022 at 9:39 amAlice and Family, Sending our deepest condolences in the loss of Butch! I personally have known you both since I was attending U of M dental hygiene school in 1971-72 and then after my husband and I were fellow dentists in the Lansing area. We have always held him in highest esteem as not only a wonderful human being but an excellent professional. Praying for comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Roger n Mary Leifheit
March 30, 2022 at 10:42 amHow do we say we are so sad to learn of Dr. Nasif passing. Roger and he were friends for 70 years. A great man n our dentist for years. Our love n prayers to Alice, Michel, Blake, daughter-in-law n granddaughters. Rest In Peace Dr. Nasif.
Liz Gardner
March 30, 2022 at 12:08 pmSo sorry for the loss of your husband and father. He was a wonderful man who would always bring a smile to your face. He took care of 4 generations of my family and will certainly be missed.
Manuel Tembras & Margarita Tembras
March 30, 2022 at 2:29 pmWe are so sorry about your loss. He was a great human being and an excellent dentist. He had a smile that can light up a room. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May he Rest In Peace.
Vickie E Fedewa
March 30, 2022 at 2:40 pmAlice and Michel, I am so saddened to hear of Dr. Nasif’s passing. He was, by far, my favorite dentist (and who says that about dentists?). His passing leaves a small hole in my heart.
Margaret Tembras
March 30, 2022 at 2:44 pmWe are so sorry for your loss. Dr Nasif was a great human being and an excellent dentist! His smile light up a room! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May he Rest In Peace.
Rosalyn Olson
March 30, 2022 at 9:26 pmAt such times as these we are reminded of how precious each relationship we have is. Not only have we lost Michel whom we love but also after 37 years as Dr. Nasif’s employee, I have lost a valued mentor whom I respected deeply. “Always do the right thing and you’ll never have any regrets.” Integrity and ethics were his middle names. Whatever fate brought me to his office, I will be forever grateful and miss him sorely. My deep sympathy to Alice, Michel, Blake, Rhoda and all of his family he loved so dearly. Always “family first.”
Deb Jarous
March 31, 2022 at 4:36 pmThinking of you Rosalyn as you process and mourn Butch’s passing.
Kathleen Dotson
March 31, 2022 at 10:58 amI was so sorry to see that Dr. Nasif passed away. I was a patient of his for sooo many years and now I see his son Michel. I have missed him and Alice being in the office. He always made me laugh. I will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Dotson
Shari Guthrie
March 31, 2022 at 5:37 pmDr Nasif hired me right out of college. I remember him saying that he hired me because I was the one who he felt that wanted the job. I did, and I will always appreciate his acknowledgment of that. I will always remember his undying love for his boys, and his passion for all things U of M. One of the first things he asked me was which team I support. Fortunately I grew up a Michigan fan. I learned so much from him, throughout the years. Most and importantly “family first”. His presence will be sorely missed. My most heartfelt condolences to Alice, Michel and Rema, Blake and Rhoda. I will never forget the day that I walked into the office, as he and Alice were walking out. His face lit up, when he saw me, like I was a long lost friend. I will never forget you. Thank you so much for hiring me.
Blythe Redman
March 31, 2022 at 7:20 pmKirk and I send hugs to your hearts….praying many good memories help give you peace as you navigate your “new normal” without Butch. He was a great man (in spite of being a maize and blue fan) and will be missed!
Sally and Ron LaCross
March 31, 2022 at 8:59 pmAlice and boys we were so sorry to hear this sad news about Butch. We had many fun football nights while our boys were in high school. We will remember him fondly. Thinking of you all, Sally and Ron LaCross
Frank and Sharon Pansino
April 1, 2022 at 9:25 amDear Alice,
Who would have ever thought that, with such very heavy hearts we are sending this to you.
You and Butch were among our first friends in Lansing, Frank as an Oral Surgeon, Butch
as his friend, dentist, and golfing buddy. Butch will be sadly missed by all who knew and
loved him. You are in our thoughts and in our prayers. May GOD hold all of you in the palm
of HIS hand, at this very difficult time.
Scott Redman
April 1, 2022 at 1:33 pmOur families crossed paths in many different ways. Neighbors on Opaline. Myself having the opportunity to coach Blake in High School. Later watching him on TV as a Michigan Wolverine football player. After that becoming friends with my own daughter. All of us rooting on Michel as he excelled on the football field and later we also went on his baseball state championship journey. All the encounters were pleasant. Usually involving laughter. But, most definitely filled with smiles. I never saw Alice without a smile on her beautiful face. When I close my eyes and picture the boys it’s the same. A big smile, A sincere smile! You Nasif’s had one common denominator. How ironic that it is your smiles. The Doc was the leader of the pack. The Dentist. In the business of making great smiles. Yet your smiles are much more than cosmetic. There is something behind them. It is happiness. It is genuine. And it is very, very, real. You are all contagious. You make the people around you feel good. You spread happiness. Doc was your family Patriarch and we can still see his great smile. His great sense of humor that we couldn’t wait to hear what he had to say next. We are all saddened by the loss of this great man. We find peace to know there are two more men just like him to carry the torch. And the strongest most caring wife with that million dollar smile. Alice will keep spreading that fantastic Nasif feeling to us all. Until we meet again Dr. Nasif, you keep on smiling. Thanks for the great memories.
Scott Redman on behalf of the Redman family.
sharon ford
April 1, 2022 at 2:12 pmOur sincere sympathy to you Alice and family, many prayers and blessings Love Sharon Ford and family
Bob and D'Anne Golub
April 1, 2022 at 7:38 pmOur heartfelt sympathy to you, Alice and your family. Butch always had a kind word and a smile. He will be missed!
Mike and Deb Jarous
April 1, 2022 at 10:57 pmDear Nasif family, Mike and I are deeply saddened by Butch’s passing. We know he will be missed by you all, his friends, and his extended family. He will be fondly and respectfully remembered by those of us he cared for during his career. Butch was a caring professional, who could lighten the mood with his humor and smile. May your memories bring you peace and comfort. God Bless you all.
Mike and Deb Jarous and family
Karen, Dave, Lukus, Leea and Reed Gorman
April 2, 2022 at 10:23 amGod works in wonderful ways, I just happened to be in the office Wednesday. Michel just is as kind as his father gave me the news. He was the best employer I have ever had. He was the most understanding, ethical man with great integrity I have ever worked for. His family was so important to him as we were his employees. I cannot say enough about him, his family and staff! Blessings to you all!
Denny Frazier
April 3, 2022 at 8:29 amAs and old Big Red myself, I’m always saddened to see one of my class mates(class of 64) pass on. Time and tide wait for no one ,I guess. denny frazier
Kathy Kacynski
April 3, 2022 at 10:42 amTo all of Dr. Nasir’s friends and family, my deepest condolences. Dr. Nasif was my dentist for over forty years. I wish he had more years in retirement. He was such a nice person. He will be greatly missed. I am so sorry for the loss of this man in our lives. May your memories, comfort you during your grief.
Michele Bussiere
April 3, 2022 at 5:22 pmDeepest condolences Nasif family. Dr was my dentist when I first moved here & I will never forget his smile & love for the Yooper conversation. Especially when he found out he graduated with my father in law. He will be missed by all.
Wayne and Cheryl Hansen
April 4, 2022 at 7:56 amIt is so hard to say goodbye to one of my closest life long friends. He was a special person and will be missed. My love to the family.
Wanda Benge
April 4, 2022 at 3:29 pmI am so sorry for your loss. I know there is nothing I can say to ease your pain, but I hope it helps you to know that I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. He was a good, kind and caring man who I considered a friend as well as my dentist. He will be missed.
Benge Wanda
April 4, 2022 at 3:57 pmI am so sorry for your loss. I know there is nothing I can say to ease your pain, but I hope it gives you comfort to know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. He was a kind and caring person and someone I considered a friend as well as my dentist. He will be missed.
Alicia and Steve Knudson
April 4, 2022 at 3:18 pmAlice and family, we are so saddened to learn of Michel’s passing. We will remember him as an animated story teller, lover of ice cream and U of M football and above all lovely, warm, funny and kind man. Our deepest condolences. May he rest in peace.
Kris Flint
April 4, 2022 at 5:46 pmAlice (and Nasif family), huge hugs to all of you! The girls and I enjoyed you both so much as neighbors. Dr. Nasif was always so kind with a quick, funny comment to my girls when they were riding their bikes or walking past him. He was so kind and had patience when listening to them “pitch” selling cookies. And of course the girls thought he was a great dentist to go to as well, he made the experience fun for them. He definitely will be missed. Sending light and love during this difficult time! Love, The Flints -Kris, Thalynn and Logan
John & Pat Anderson
April 5, 2022 at 8:59 amIn the end, is not the memories Butch had, but the memories of those who loved him. What matters is how long he will be remembered, by whom and for what. The life Butch lived didn’t just happen by accident or circumstances, but by choice. Butch lived a life that mattered.
May he rest in peace knowing this.
John & Pat Anderson
John and Maria Mikulski
April 5, 2022 at 11:43 amWe are sorry to learn about Dr. Nasif’s passing. He was our family dentist for over forty years, providing excellent care for all of us, always taking an interest in what was going on in our lives. He was the best, and we held him in high esteem. Our condolences to his wife Alice and his sons Michel and Blake.
Linda wolcott
April 5, 2022 at 12:09 pmTo the Nasif family~ I was so sorry to learn of Butch’s passing. He was a great friend and a super great dentist. I used to tell him I didn’t like his profession just liked him. And he would laugh at me. We went to the same school, even though he was a year behind me and so I’ve known him for a long, long time. He used to tease me about my love for Notre Dame and we used to laugh about it. He will be missed but I know he is in a better place with no more pain and I am sure he will be trying to convince anybody who will listen to him that there is only one team you should be rooting for is his beloved U of M. RIP and until we meet again Go Blue.
Rita (Daman) Arnesen
April 5, 2022 at 1:34 pmButch was such an amazing man and friend,I had the privilege of his friendship in school at Sexton. He always had an awesome smile along with his great personality. Rest In Peace my dear friend.
Rita(Daman)Arnesen
Doug Nowels
April 5, 2022 at 3:34 pmAlice, so sorry to hear of Michel’s passing! I will always have fond memories of him.
Doug Nowels
Bruce W, Gregory
April 5, 2022 at 9:59 pmI am terribly saddened by this news. I went through high school with “Butch” and was a team mate of his on the State Championship football team. Simply said, Butch was one of the all around good guys you always remember. I am honored to call him a friend. Rest in peace my friend.
NEAL NORGROVE
April 6, 2022 at 10:59 amOur most sincere condolences. May he rest in peace and his memory be eternal.It was always a joy to visit at family gatherings whether at Rhoda’s, Rhonda’s, or various graduation parties.
Our love to the entire family.
Linda and Neal Norgrove
Leticia Wills
April 6, 2022 at 1:21 pmMy condolences to the entire Nasif family! Dr Nasif was my dentist for over 30 years until he retired and was a great guy who always made me laugh when I would come into the office. I am saddened by the news of his passing and sending prayers of comfort and strength to you all.
Thad & Pinkie Wills
April 6, 2022 at 7:22 pmThad and Pinkie Wills offer our deepest sympathy and Condolences to you and your entire family.
Russ and Carolyn Cunningham
April 7, 2022 at 7:57 amCarolyn and I were very sad to hear of Dr. Nasif’s passing. He was a great man and a great dentist. I first met Dr. Nasif in 1976 when he was the ring side dentist at the Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament in Lansing. A head butt to the jaw introduced me to him and to Dr. Pansino.
Dr. Nasif and I hit it off right away and he continued to be my dentist for the next 40 years until his retirement in 2016. There was never an appointment that I didn’t look forward to feeling that handshake and seeing that true smile. Our sympathy and prayers go out to Alice, the boys and their families.
Joan Talbot
April 7, 2022 at 9:26 pmI know Butch because he was blessed to have married one of my best and long time friends, Alice. And because of the wisdom he showed when choosing Alice for his spouse I was certain to like him. And like him I did. He was engaging, humorous and caring even when spending an evening with Alice and myself caring on about times gone by. He always asked about my 2 boys with sincere interest. And always welcomed me with affection and warmth.
I am unsure as to whether or not Butch was a wine drinker but he always had a superb bottle of red wine whenever I came to visit. I will miss that but most of all I will miss Butch when I go to visit my cherished friend.
Jody Talbot
Rich and Tina Martzke
April 7, 2022 at 11:29 pmI first met Butch in the fall of 1968 when we started dental school at U of M. I have many fond memories of him as he always had a good sense of humor which helped when we were all going through our studies and clinical work.. I always respected him as a dental colleague and he cared for his patients with the utmost ethical standards. It has been a pleasure for our family to know the Nasif family and you can all be proud to have had a husband, father, and grandfather as fine as Butch was. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Tom & Beth Ford
April 8, 2022 at 2:03 pmOur sincerely condolences. Losing a family member brings grief, and we were saddened to hear of Butch’s passing. However, we’re sure his menory will last forever. Hold on to your memories, and let them help you through these difficult times.
Karen and Dayfallah Samhat
April 8, 2022 at 3:57 pmOur Hearts are so touched by your Passing.It’s so amazing how many names one has as we didn’t even know you as our Dentist Dr.Nasif,Mr.Nasif
Uncle,Brother,Cousin,Friend but for sure we were
Proud to call you our JEDO (Grandpa) May God
Bless you and the entire Nasif family.
Love Kay Kay and Amo Dave
Phil and Judy George
April 8, 2022 at 5:56 pmOur condolences to you and your whole family. Dr Nasif will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Just remember the “ Big Red Indian heist”, lots of laughs. Alice, you have such a great supportive family that will always be there in your time of need. Just remember all the great times you and your family have had with Butch.
Phil and Judy George.
Kris Nicholoff
April 8, 2022 at 5:58 pmMay God rest this wonderful man’s soul.
Gary and Kathy Burt
April 9, 2022 at 9:56 amWe first met Butch when Michel and Evan were in elementary school. He and Alice were always so supportive of any and all extra-curriculars that the boys participated in. We all huddled together on the 50-yard line for many chilly football games! He was always friendly and greeted you with a smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with all members of Butch’s family, who will miss him so much.
Marcia Churchill Pletz
April 9, 2022 at 5:02 pmDr Nasif was my first “boss” in Lansing. I commuted from Flint and worked as a dental hygienist 2 1/2,days a week in his office on W.Saginaw for 4 yrs. I learned pretty quickly not to mention the green and white team to him or any of my patients and don’t forget who signs my check! His blood ran blood blue (and maize). He was always kind and caring to me and all of his staff and his entire practice. He was more than a dentist, but a friend to all and showed true care and compassion. .Dr rehired me in 2007 to work one day a week for 10 years. Through those years I found him to be the same as when I left…kind, compassionate and very happy. He never said a negative word. He was an awesome man that I will never forget!
Alan Russell Campbell
April 11, 2022 at 11:34 amTo Alice and family: belatedly our deepest sympathies for your loss. Not only was he a great dentist, he was a very good friend! Amy & Alan
Connie Masseau
May 5, 2022 at 11:20 amMy sincere condolences, to Alice, Michel and Blake! I am so very sorry to hear about Dr. Nasif. What a gentle giant Dr Nasif was, he was so passionate about his practice and his staff. Whenever he talked about his family, his face would light up and was beaming with pride! He loved his family so much! May you Rest In Peace Dr Nasif, you will be missed!
Frank, Connie, Nikki and Kelsey Masseau
Barbara Brown Wood
May 29, 2022 at 11:25 amI had not seen Michel since high school and for some reason thought of him today. I was so sad to find this. We sat beside one another in math class and had many laughs. He was a nice guy. My sincere condolences to his family.
Karen Wainright
May 31, 2022 at 5:49 pmMy name is Karen Kjergaard Wainright, Dr. Nasif was my dentist for over 20 years! I just heard the news of his passing,my condolences to his family and his dentist practice family. He was the very best dentist that I had ever been to, and then I told my sister about him, as she was in alot of tooth pain. She trusted in me, went to him, and her family still goes to his practice. She has gone to him ever since! I only stopped going there due to moving from Lansing.
Dr. Nasif was a very gifted dentist and had a wonderful personality, was always honest about what needed to be done to keep my teeth in their very best health! He will be missed, my prayers are with his Family,
Sincerely, Karen and sister Sue
Roger Shaffer
December 4, 2023 at 10:48 pmAs long as his name is mentioned he will be honored