When Michael W. Dyas died peacefully at his home, he was surrounded by loving family, caring friends and a faithful dog.

The presence of all these spoke to the success of Dyas’ life – a man beloved and respected, successful in his personal relationships and in the awards-focused promotional products supplier, Erlanger, KY-based Sterling Cut Glass (asi/89663), that he built into and kept a winner for decades.

Michael William Dyas, Sterling Cut Glass (asi/89663)

“Mike lived a full life and touched many lives,” an obituary stated following the 76-year-old Dyas’ Oct. 6 passing. “He could listen and talk to anyone with enthusiasm and compassion. His upbeat demeanor was contagious: He made every party better, every dinner more lively, every round of golf more graceful.”

Dyas was also more than adept at the nuts and bolts of creating a successful business.

He bought Sterling Cut Glass from his father, Charles, in 1976 when it operated in what was described as a small, austere factory and showroom. In the ensuing decades, he would expand the company’s size and prestige, moving operations into a state-of-the-art production facility as Sterling became a leader in providing awards, trophies and gifts.

“Under Mike’s leadership, golf became the fulcrum of Sterling’s success,” his obituary said. “Annually, Sterling produces etched crystal trophies, awards and tournament gifts for thousands of prestigious club events across the country.” Indeed, Sterling Cut Glass is a licensee of the PGA Tour, Ryder Cup, 123^rd U.S. Open and more.

Dyas was also proud of how, in 1987, he spearheaded Sterling’s growth significantly by developing a business partnership with Krosno Glass in Poland – a fusion that combined Sterling’s custom etching expertise with Krosno’s high-end crystal.

Family was always part of what Dyas did. “At Sterling, Mike and his brother, Barry, were early adopters of the nascent photo-emulsion technology used for deep etching,” his obituary said. “Working closely with his wife, Leslie, and his son, J. Brook, [Dyas grew] Sterling into a leader of the international crystal industry and a pioneer in bringing crystal awards and gifts to the golf industry.”

Dyas was CEO and president until 2021; he consulted for the business up until his death. He also chronicled the Sterling Cut Glass history in his Sterling Memories: A Memoir (1970–2020). J. Brook is currently president.

“Mike was a passionate business leader who always brought out the best in his friends, families and employees,” said J. Brook Dyas. “He had the biggest heart and shared it with everyone, especially those that needed help or were struggling in life. His legacy as a kind and caring man will be carried forward by thousands of people whose lives were better for knowing him.”

Born in Covington, KY, Dyas held degrees from Xavier University and the University of Tennessee.

He was a longtime supporter and former board member of the Point Arc, an organization that provides opportunities to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “He fondly remembered his work as a young man at Camp Ramapo, an Upstate New York summer camp servicing those with social and mental challenges,” his obituary noted.

A dedicated father, husband and grandfather, Dyas is survived by his wife, business partner and collaborator, Leslie Dyas (née Brown); children, J. Brook Dyas (Valerie), Annie Dyas, Kristin Dyas, Michael Dyas, and step-daughter, Hannah Brod (Dexter); grandchildren, Audrey Dyas, Leo Dyas, Harry Dyas, Iris Sellman, Iggi Sellman, Beatrice Dyas, Willa Dyas, Zipporah Brown, and Otto Brown; siblings Susan McNally and Barry Dyas (Mary); and countless nieces and nephews.

“Above all, Mike loved and was loved by his family,” his obituary stated.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, October 12, at Mother of God Church, 119 West 6th St., Covington, KY. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at noon. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dyas’ memory may be made to The Point Arc Serving Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family, please visit this flower store.