Nos-Hi "Charlie" Saied

Nos-hi "Charlie" Saied passed away in North Hollywood, CA on October 15, 2022 at the age of 76. He lived a full life as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.
He was born of Egyptian descent on November 20th, 1945 in Khartoum, Sudan. He graduated from Menelik High School in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 1963 where his mother and father were both teachers.
Charlie arrived in Moorhead, Minnesota at the age of 17 to attend Moorhead State College in pursuit of a Doctorate degree in Medicine. He worked many jobs to fund his college education and new life in America. These jobs included being a butcher, a dishwasher, an encyclopedia salesman, a tow truck driver, a mechanic, a hospital orderly and a heavy equipment operator. He was living the American Dream. Along the way he created lifelong friendships and developed a passion for all things automotive, engineering, and heavy equipment.
He attended First Presbyterian Church in Moorhead and always sat in the back pew. From the choir loft, Mary spotted the love of her life.
In 1967, he moved to California to join his brothers and further continue his college education. But his curiosity of heavy equipment and the outdoors became his calling. Mary soon followed to pursue a life alongside him.
On February 28, 1970, Charlie married his soulmate and best friend, Mary. They would go on to share 52 years of love together. Later that year they bought their first Mack truck and started Saied Trucking Company.
Charlie & Mary welcomed their daughter Malaka and sons Matthew and Jameel were soon to follow and complete the "five spoke wheel."
He acquired his first general contractor's license in 1977 and would go on to earn three more, the last being at the age of 75. Charlie and Mary successfully owned and operated Saied Contractors, Inc. until his passing. Punctuality, quality and honor were always at the forefront of their businesses. Their willingness to learn and take risks often put them in precarious jobs such as operating off steep cliffs in the Hollywood Hills to saving Santa Monica from a large sink hole. Difficult and challenging work were things they never shied away from.
In 1979, CMJ Racing (Charlie, Mary, Malaka, Matthew, Jameel) was formed while Charlie piloted his 1965 Galaxy. The Saied Family would continue to drive, own and build first class race cars for over 40 years. The CMJ shop evolved to become one of his dreams - a place for fabricating and engineering. He would wake up in the middle of the night contemplating new designs and creating innovative solutions.
A man of many interests - he enjoyed running (2 marathons and uncountable miles), cycling, weekends at the lake, weekends at the racetrack, shooting pool, playing racquetball, motorcycles, cars, trucks, anything with an engine, travel, family outings to great restaurants, playing cards, Marty Robbins, his garage, photography, DIY projects, the Los Angeles Rams, K-EARTH 101, country music, parties and the infamous FAAT CAAT.
Charlie left a mark wherever he went.
-In business
- his employees, customers and peers.
In racing- his team, competitors and fans.
His desire in all things was never to beat the next guy. His motive was always to learn, grow and share his life with good people.
Throughout his life endeavors, family always remained his #1. For Charlie, kindness and generosity were the priority. His wisdom, truth, humor and respect were always available but never negotiable. He loved and protected with his whole being. Charlie is survived by his wife Mary; children Malaka (Kyle) Donovan, Matthew (Hope), Jameel (Adrienne); his eight grandchildren who referred to him as "Papa", Kienan, Mackenzie, Kiera, Kamille, Aneya, Lyla, Isa and Charlie; his sister, Nagat Khilla; brother Nagi and sister-in-law, Gamilla.
Preceded in death by his parents, Kamel and Zezaf Saied; brother, Nabeel Saied; brother-in-law, Maurice Khilla.
Although our lives will never be the same, we know he will continue to forever walk
alongside us.