Kevork Kololian Biography
Kevork Kololian, my grandfather was born in Cairo Egypt in 1928. He received his elementary education at the Noubarian School in Heliopolis, Egypt, from the 5th grade at the age of 13. At a very young age, my grandfather became a very active member of the Homenetmen Boy Scouts.
Due to the family’s financial situation, my grandfather was unable to continue with his schooling and at the tender age of 13, he embarked in the business world earning a modest $1.00 per day to support his family and at the same time advance his education in English, French and mathematics. By the time he was 15 years old, he was pursuing his dreams of becoming a radio engineer, enrolling in courses offered through the International Correspondence School. By 19, he had completed the program in radio engineering.
At the age of 22, my grandfather embarked on a trip to Germany in further pursuit of advancing himself, which ultimately changed the course of his life. There he learned the trade of manufacturing of precision machined components and upon his return, he ambitiously started a small machine shop, which eventually grew to quite a productive establishment employing 28 skilled laborers.
At this stage in my grandfather’s life, he was also pursuing a young lady named Armenouhi Artinian, my grandmother. They were married in 1951 and had 54 wonderful years together, blessed with 2 children, my uncle Vahan and my mother Nairy.
Years later, they were blessed with 2 more children when my father Yervant married my mother and my Uncle Vahan married Susie.
In 1962, my grandfather sold his machining operation and initiated a move to Canada where he and his family would have a secure and bright future. In 1963, almost a year after arriving in Canada, my grandfather with my grandmother at his side, started up a small machine shop called K.K. Precision Parts. Due to their hard work, dedication and vision, the business grew and prospered.
Over the years, he actively participated in all aspects of community life, in both Canadian and Armenian communities. His major contribution was made in 1978 when he and my grandmother became one of the major donors of the ARS Kololian Elementary, Babayan Kindergarten School in Toronto. His ultimate dreams were realized when all four of us Hasmig, Christopher, Tanya and myself attended this great school.