Christopher "Kit" Sause

MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. — Christopher “Kit” Sause, 74, passed away suddenly, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, while in South Africa celebrating his 50th wedding anniversary with the love of his life, Susan.

Kit, the youngest of William and Kate Sause’s three boys, was born March 18, 1950, in Youngstown. In 1968, he graduated from Boardman High School. He then attended Miami University, where he graduated with a B.S. in business administration. In 1972, he began his business career with his father at Fordees Corporation before spending many years as the president and CEO of The Alliance Machine Company. After his success with these companies, he offered his expertise as a consultant to numerous other small companies.

In 2007, he and Sue moved to Destin, Florida, to begin retired life, although it wasn’t long before Kit joined his brother Mike as a marketing consultant at AMS, Annuity Marketing Services, Financial Solutions Group.

Kit was an active member of his community, serving on numerous boards such as the Neil Kennedy Recovery Clinic, Alliance Community Hospital, Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce and Mount Union Community Council.

We believe he must hold some sort of record for most hours spent hitting balls at the driving range at both the Youngstown Country Club and Sandestin Burnt Pine Golf Club. He was an avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan and could spoil his beloved dogs like no one else.

What set Kit apart, however, was the manner in which he lived his life. He followed a series of “special rules,” causing him to be endeared by so many. These rules were originally jotted down on a sheet of yellow legal paper during one of his many business trips. He spent countless nights explaining these rules to his children, but more importantly, he demonstrated them each and every day of his life. He treated people the way he wanted to be treated. He emphasized the good things in himself and others and he understood that you got out of life what you put in. He was not afraid to pray to God. He was fun-loving. He was kind. He was curious. He had a knack for remembering the details.

Kit’s legacy will live on through his wife, Susan; his children, Christopher (Amanda) Sause and Katharine “Katie” (Trevor) Gunderson; his grandchildren, Karsten, Kelley, Hudsie and Charlie Kate; his brothers, William (Susan) Sause and Micheal (Maureen) Sause; and many more that loved him dearly.

A celebration of life in both Florida and Ohio will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Poland Schools Foundation of Excellence, Good News Methodist Church or any charity of your choosing.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.” We are eternally grateful for the love that he shared.