Sarkis Ghazarian (1968-2009)
Sarkis Ghazarian, known to family and friends as “Sako”, was born on November 3rd, 1968, in Beirut, Lebanon. As a young man, he graduated as Valedictorian from the Souren Khanamirian College. Unfortunately, given the times in Lebanon, he was unable to attend university, and instead took responsibility over his father’s business and successfully integrated new and fresh ideas.
In 1989, due to the civil war, the Ghazarian family was no longer safe in Lebanon and was forced to relocate to a safer country, Canada. Once arriving in Toronto, Sako resumed responsibility to provide for his family by learning certain trades, working, and finally managing Goodyear, Mars Tire (Agincourt) Inc. (from 1997 – 2009).
In July 1993, Sako married his one and only true love, Anni Basmajian. This love, with God’s blessings, created two wonderful and beautiful children, Ishkhan (born 1995) and Ariané (born 2001) and this became their own Armenian family. This family was his greatest pride and joy!
Since his youth, Sako has always been involved with the Armenian community, and in multiple organizations. To the very end, he continued to serve his community and even had the privilege of serving as the President of the Board of Trustees of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church of Toronto, for two terms. Sadly, due to his illness, he was unable to continue fulfilling this passion.
Sako also had a great passion for writing. He wrote short stories of faith and regularly contributed to the Horizon Armenian Weekly newspaper. Sako has also received an award from the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada for his outstanding achievements, contributions, and community service, and most of all for his efforts in promoting multiculturalism, preservation of the culture, and interests of the Armenian-Canadian community, and equality among all Canadians.
In the end, Sako fought a long, hard, physically, and mentally exhausting battle with his illness. Even after a successful heart transplant, his body could no longer sustain the ability to survive. Unfortunately, just 10 days after his 41st birthday, Sako fell peacefully into eternal slumber, returning to his Creator and reuniting with his beloved mother, Mariam and father, Ghazar, to live forever in Paradise.
We love you, Sako. You will be in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers forever.