Really saddened to have to say goodbye to one of the most influential people in my life, the great Reg Siki, but more well known worldwide as “Mr. Irresistible” Sweet Daddy Siki.
I’ve been told he passed away on December 31st in hospital after a year’s long battle with dementia.
He was 91 years of age.
I’m remarkably emotional about this as without his and Ron Hutchison’s influence, my associations, my accomplishments, my experiences and my family life would be very, very different and definitely not as good.
When I was 15 my dad took a bunch of us to Scarborough Arena to see my very first wrestling event.
Though he wasn’t booked on the card, Siki was there hanging with friends and my dad (in a VERY rare moment) became a fan boy.
“Holy f**k, that’s Sweet Daddy Siki! We’ve gotta go meet him!”
I went to be polite for dad’s sake and shook Siki’s hand. Then stood around for about 30 minutes while dad and he talked about wrestling over the years.
At the time, I thought it was just nice of him to give us the time of day. But in hindsight I now really admire him for never forgetting the fans who make our business work.
It’s influenced my professional conduct to this day and I’m grateful.
In 1990, I wandered in to Sully’s Gym at 53 Frasier Street, to sign up and begin my wrestling training that would ultimately take me all over the world — 46 countries to date with multiple tours in so many countries and I wouldn’t have seen almost any of them were it not for Siki and Ron.
Only three matches in to my career and I was booked for my first of 15 tours of Japan, this one hooked up for me by icon Tiger Jeet Singh.
It wasn’t because I was setting the business on fire, it was because Siki and Tiger were good friends and Siki had a word on my behalf.
Without Japan, I wouldn’t have gotten my foot in the door with Winnipeg.
Or South Africa.
Or Detroit.
Or Germany.
Without Germany, I wouldn’t have gotten married over here and wouldn’t have the two best sons in the world.
I always remember where I came from and without Siki and Ron, I’d have almost none of the things, relationships, accomplishments or memories I have today or will have in the future.
I am eternally grateful.
I used to call him a couple of times a year to keep in touch (and I’m proud to say, offer thanks) but over the years life got in the way and those calls regrettably became more and more rare.
One significant call happened on my way home from a tour in Israel.
I had a layover for a few hours in Moscow and saw online that Siki’s wife (whom he absolutely adored) had passed.
I didn’t have his number available so I want to credit Ricky “Soulman” Johnson who was always such a good friend to him for answering my message and forwarding his number along.
When I got home to Hannover, I dumped my bag in the hall and called Siki immediately to offer condolences.
In credit to his warmth, he kept his emotions in check as I’m sure he worried about possibly making me uncomfortable.
He didn’t need to, but he did because he always seemed to think of others first.
The bittersweet part was when he said “You’re the only one who remembers, Joe.”
“What do you mean?” I replied.
“Over the years, I tried to help a lot of people and many are doing really well, but none of them call. None of them check in. None seem to remember. But you do. Thank you for that.”
I was really proud of myself at that moment, but really disappointed in a lot of other people.
Apparently there’s a documentary about him now and a few of them made an appearance, so hopefully they shook his hand and offered up some thanks.
I know I’m rambling here so I’ll end on this quick story.
Just a couple of months ago, I wanted to call and check in on him again, so I hit up Ricky again as I’d heard he’d moved and probably had a new number.
When I spoke to Ricky, he sent me the number, but warned that I might get upset if I called.
He told me Siki had been fighting dementia for a few years and really struggled with his memory. “He might not be able to remember you, so maybe you want to keep the memories of how he was and not be disappointed if his condition doesn’t help.”
I thanked him and considered his advice but decided to call anyway. If there was even a slight chance I could draw out a memory and a smile, it’d be worth the gamble.
I called the number and he answered.
He struggled for a minute, but HE REMEMBERED ME!!!
The conversation was brief and I was able to thank him again and even got him to laugh a couple of times.
One of the best, most satisfying calls I’ve ever made.
And I’m grateful for that too.
As you get older, people older than you start passing away and even a tough old sort like Siki can go toe to toe with dementia for years, make it to 91 and it’s still a bit of a shock when they go.
I guess the point of this whole thing is that I encourage everyone to please remember the ones who got you where you are and take a minute to call them and offer thanks.
I’m sure they’ll appreciate it but more importantly, it’ll enrich your soul.
Something to really be grateful for.
One last time, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING SWEET DADDY SIKI.
I’m indebted to you and Ron for so much.
You’re with your wife now so I know you’re happy and smiling down on us.
Rest well, coach. You’ve earned it.
RIP Reg Siki.
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