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.
