Harry Aivazian's Obituary
Haritoon Aivazian was born in Smyrna, Turkey to Hovones and Aroosiag Aivazian on August 7, 1920. Six weeks later he immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island with his parents, grandmother, uncles, and twin sister. Upon entering the United States, Hovones changed his name to John. His wife changed her name to Agnes, and Haritoon's name was changed to Harry. The family later moved west and settled in lumber camps then later further south around the rich farmlands of California. His family eventually moved to Sacramento, and that is where Harry attended high school then later college. During World War II, Harry was stationed at the military base in Curundu, Panama around the canal zone. He worked for a contractor to the military as a plane mechanic. Because of his size, he was given the job of working in small places like the gun turrets and crawling inside the wings. His experiences in Panama became stories that painted a picture of himself as an explorer and adventurer. Panthers, jaguars, snakes, huge centipedes, sharks and alligators were common subjects in his stories... all true. After the war, Harry moved to Tulsa with his best friend Marion Higbee and partnered a music shop with him called Cosmopolitan Records. The store didn't last long and Harry went back to airplane mechanics with American Airlines. He met Wanda Sue Albers shortly after that and they were married in 1950. It was also about that time when both Harry and Sue joined Our Savior Lutheran Church. Harry worked at American Airlines as a mechanic then as a production planner for 35 years. He was also employed at Sears Department Store for about 30 years as a part time salesman. His hobby, and the pastime that he picked up even when he was a young boy in Sacramento was building and flying model airplanes. But, later in life he seemed to give that up and spent most of his time raising grandchildren. In 2006, his mental health started declining. In 2008, his wife of 58 years, Wanda Sue, died of leukemia. Then in 2009 he moved to Oklahoma City and later took up residence at Cypress Springs where he died of complications due to pneumonia on May 20, 2012. Harry is preceded in death by his mother Agnes Aivazian, father John Aivazian, and wife Wanda Sue Aivazian. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, David and Beverly Aivazian of Edmond, Oklahoma and their children Tricia and husband Todd Graham of Edmond, Oklahoma and Daniel Aivazian of Arlington, Texas. He is also survived by his daughter Elizabeth Nibert of Tulsa Oklahoma and her children Shaun and wife Kristin Campbell of Edmond, Oklahoma and Erica Campbell of Tulsa, Oklahoma, four great-grandchildren, and his sweet twin sister, Anne Presti of Los Angeles, California. Let it be known by all who read this, that Harry Aivazian was a Christian. If you asked Harry, 'Who raised you?' he would reply, 'God raised me'. He proclaimed to all, that God the Father is our creator. He made it clear to all, that Jesus Christ who is from the Father, lived on this earth as man and died for us, but overcame the grave and dwelt among us in full flesh until he ascended to sit at the Father's right hand in heaven . The Holy Spirit of God was also evident in Harry's heart. You could tell that in just a simple conversation with him. Harry loved everyone. There was no evil in him. Harry believed all of God's promises and especially looked forward to the resurrection of the dead when our souls will be joined with our flesh. He was a true disciple of Jesus Christ and showed this faith until he died. Services will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday May 22,2012 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Tulsa,Oklahoma.Interment will follow at the Floral Haven Memorial Gardens,Garden of the Good Shepherd.
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