Tariq Isiah Dixon, affectionally known to many as 'Riq', was born on May 10th, 2005, at Port Huron Hospital, in Port Huron, MI to ShaVaughn Brooks and Rafiki E. Dixon. He was the second child of three born to his loving mother.
With an infectious smile and natural talent, he was a born performer. From a young age, Tariq had an unwavering passion for writing, music, and dance. His fervor for the creative arts would set him on a path of artistic exploration. With pure charisma, Tariq captured the true spirit of the 'King of Pop', Michael Jackson. Riq' was dedicated to creating the performer's entire persona, donning his iconic white glove & leather jacket… glued to the Nintendo Wii, singing, and 'Moonwalking' along to every beat of MJ’s lyrics- a true fan! One of his mother’s many proudest moments is when her baby boy was given the opportunity to present his work of short fiction at the Blue Water Writer's Conference.
Tariq's expressive journey grew at the age of 12 from reading and watching Anime to exploring various genres of music, including Jazz. He developed a deep appreciation for legendary musicians like Louis Armstrong, who inspired the young Sixth grader to pick up the trumpet. His music taste would grow to XXX Tentacion, King Von, Stevie Wonder, [jeen-yuhs] Kanye, and more. Tariq's 'lyrical soul' was limitless.
Traveling & Yummy Food… Traveling with his family, one of his favorite attractions in Chicago was the Bean in Millennium Park. A self-proclaimed chef, [Chef Riq' Riq’] savored the flavor of Seafood Broil, Chicken, and Japanese Ramen Noodles.
Lifeline...Tariq shared a connection to his friends and family, a bond unbreakable with his mother, and like no other for his sisters, Tariq was his mother's first true love and Big Lil' Bro to his sisters. He was extremely protective of the ladies in his life, he was their protector, their security guard. In years to come, Tariq's mother would meet the love of her life, George WM. Richardson, III, whom they affectionately called Gee. ShaVaughn’s two favorite men would come to bond over Mortal Combat, good music, JCole & Kendrick concerts, and their fondness for WWE. After getting married, the family became united and began creating new memories. Later adding his fur sister Bambi to the family album.
Taking the advice of his parents Tariq applied for a job at Texas Roadhouse, as a Busser. He enjoyed spending time with his co-workers and quickly became famous for sneaking out their mouth-watering Texas Roadhouse Rolls.
His Love for Sports... Riq' was a Superfan of WWE Wrestling, and professional wrestlers John Cena and Jeff Hardy's hard-hitting signature action moves. Hardy's incredibly thrilling Swanton Bomb excited him. A Senior of Fraser High, where he earned his Varsity Letter ...Go Ramblers!’ Playing both O' line and D' line. Tariq's fascination with sneakers and Tims made him a pure 'Sneakerhead' but when it was time to Dress, he was CLEAN. Awarded 'Best Dressed' for Homecoming 2022 by his coach.
Friendships: Amere, Chris, Frederick, Josh, and Levar created a brotherhood, where they learned from each other and challenged one another… they talked about having fun, prom, and graduation. Tariq considered them family. The unconditional love he showed his friends and family was one of his most amazing attributes and it showed.
Sadly, On April 16th, 2023, Tariq Isiah Dixon received his wings and was called home.
He leaves to mourn in his passing, his parents ShaVaughn Richardson, George WM. Richardson III, and biological father Rafiki E. Dixon; Siblings: Eldest, Jazmyn McGuin, [Special Friend] MarQuell Sanders and, baby sister Jaida Dixon-Brooks; brother, DeMarko Richardson, a host of siblings, and loving, Fur-sister Bambi Charlotte Richardson; Aunts & Uncles: Cheryl [Naena] Buchanan, Stephanie Bell [Jonathan]; Uncle, James [Unc. JJ] Brooks, Jr. [Sasha Cartegena], JuLonda [Auntie J] Richardson-Randle [Darryell [Unc. D] and his Grandparents; Grandfather, Herman ‘Red’ Dixon & Grandmother, Henrietta Henderson, Granny, Jeannette Richardson, a host of Great Uncles & Great Aunties; God Mother, Jill Mackay and a host of Cousins and Many, Many Special Friends.
Tariq was predeceased by his Grandparents: Mr. & Mrs. James & Katie Brooks [Aka, Paw Paw & Nana], Grandfather, George WM. Richardson II [Papa], and Uncle Jerome Buchanan [Aka, Uncle Rome]
A visitation for Tariq will be held Friday, April 21, 2023 from 3pm to 9pm at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48035. A family hour will occur Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 11 am until time of service at Noon at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 32000 Schoenherr Rd, Warren, MI 48088.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kaul-funeral.com for the Dixon family.
