Haig Garabedian
Haig Garabedian was a prominent figure in the American-Armenian community.
Garabedian was born in Selma on July 20, 1919. His parents Rose Bannian Garabedian and Hagop Garabedian moved to San Francisco after losing their farm in the Great Depression.
He served honorably in the U.S. Army during World War II in Africa and Italy. After the war, he became a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Garabedian's overseas service sparked his interest in travel and history. He made many trips to Europe and Armenia, and was an ardent supporter of all causes Armenian, especially in publicizing the truth about the Armenian Holocaust.
After retiring as a longshoreman with Local 34 of the ILWU in San Francisco, he and his brother Harvey moved to Fresno where he became actively involved with the Armenian community. He supported and promoted the Armenian National Committee, the Women's Armenian Relief Society, the Armenian Pilgrim Church, the Holy Trinity Armenian Mother Church, and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation.
He was a person with charm, intellect, wit and strong unwavering passion for his beliefs.
Garabedian's parents, and brothers Harvey and Charles, preceded him in death. He had few remaining family members but numerous close friends across the U.S. and Europe.
Garabedian passed away in Fresno on Tuesday, October 25, 2005.
Visitation was held at Yost & Webb on T St. at Tulare on Sunday, October 30, 2005. A Graveside Service was held at Fowler Cemetery on Monday, October 31, 2005.
Sources
- Haig Garabedian 1919-2005, Fresno Bee, October 29, 2005