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Varoujan (John) Terzian – September 5, 1940 – February 17, 2025
On Monday, February 17, 2025, surrounded by his family, Varoujan lost his battle with kidney disease and is finally at peace.
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, on September 5, 1940, to Diran and Yester Terzian, joining older sister Shoushan and brother Vazken. He was named after a famous Armenian poet Taniel Varoujan, attending the prestigious Nishan Palanjian Jemaran from 1945-1955.
His first principal was the great Levon Shant. Upon Shant’s passing, Simon Vratsian, one of the founders of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation assumed the post. Surrounded by legends such as Mushegh Ishkhan, Garo Sassouni, & Karnig Panian, it instilled a deep sense of pride in his heritage and devotion to keeping the language, culture, and spirit of Armenia alive wherever he went. Here he met one of his lifelong friends Zorab Tejerian (Hasmig) who he spoke to until his passing.
A member of H.M.E.M. (Armenian Athletic Union) until immigrating to St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada in 1955, following his father who had arrived the year prior, staying with Diran’s older sister, Varsenig Krekorian.
It didn’t take long for him to acclimate to his new surroundings, enjoying life to the fullest. He loved Canada, sharing his deep sense of pride and appreciation for nation that gave he and his family a new home.
He attended Grantham High School where Varoujan was a member of the rowing team and standout star of the basketball team where he met his other lifelong friends Eli, Greg and Bob.
In the summers, he worked on the Moukperian farm formerly on Ontario Street. Active in the community from a young age, he dedicated his life to being of service. At age 15, he became a member of the A.Y.F. “Hratch” Chapter, attending many conventions throughout Canada and the United States as a delegate where he made many lasting friendships.
Joining the ranks of the A.R.F. “Antranik” Gomideh at age 17, later transferring in November 1970 to “Vramian” Gomideh when he moved to Hamilton. He held several positions over the years, including Secretary for 32 years and Manager of the A.C.C. He received an award from the Province of Ontario for his years of service to the community.
After finishing his education, he became an industrial then planning engineer, joining International Harvester Hamilton (later Case I.H.), a manufacturer of farm equipment, for 37 years until the company moved to Mexico in 1997.
On November 7, 1970, he married the love of his life Siranoush (Sylvia) Kopoian whom he had met through the A.Y.F., welcoming two daughters, Anayis Ani and Tamar, whom he adored. He loved sports and shared that passion, especially for hockey and the Montreal Canadiens, with his daughters. Often joining them and their friends on adventures to see their favourite teams in action.
Predeceased by his parents Diran (Kurkjian) Terzian, his mother Yester (Baharian) Terzian, and maternal aunt Dikranouhie Baharian, survivors of the Armenian genocide, who taught him resilience and the ability to look for the positives in life even in the most challenging of circumstances. Also predeceased by his sister Shoushan and her husband Emil Abrahamian, parents-in-law Haigas and Iskouhie Kopoian, brother-in laws Ovaness Johnny, Agop Jake, and Hagop Jimmy.
Survived by his wife Siran, daughters Anayis and Tamar, brother Vazken (Lucie), brother-in-law Archie (Lori), sister-in-law Maureen, many nephews and nieces, Raffi (Cindy), Talyn (Kevin), Sossy (Alec), Alicia (Brad), Jordan (Jess), Andrew (Sarah), Greg (Alison), including great nephews and nieces Haig, Aren, Henri, Sophine and Michael. In addition, many lifelong friends including his best man Garo (Aznev), Shake and Rosig, his friends at the Armenian Community Centres in Hamilton, St. Catharines, Cambridge, Toronto, Montreal all across Canada and the USA.
A devoted husband and father, he spent countless hours with family, welcoming many, many friends – it’s hard to acknowledge everyone but he loved spending time with each and everyone of them. Loyal, loving and unfailingly kind, he will be forever missed by those who had the privilege of knowing and adoring him.
Our family would like to extend our deepest appreciation and thanks to Dr. Allen Greenspoon, Dr. Catherine Classe, Dr. Darin Treleaven, Dr. John Misale, and the doctors, nurses, and staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital for their exceptional care over the years.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The Armenian Relief Society -Hamilton Chapter, the Armenian Community Centre of Hamilton or St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Monday February 17th 2025
Death notice for the town of: , Province: Ontario
death notice Varoujan John Terzian Monday February 17th 2025
obituaries notice Varoujan John Terzian Monday February 17th 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Varoujan John Terzian Monday February 17th 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
