Obituary of Ara Torigian
B: September 13, 1931. D: December 6, 2018
With heavy hearts and an enduring light of love and laughter, we announce the passing of Ara on December 6th in his 88th year. Ara was the beloved husband and best friend of Audrey (Chichakian) for over 60 years. Loving father of Matthew and Jill, Karen and Mike (Simpson), and Michael and Lori, and cherished YaYa to Nick, Tali, Maya, Ayla and Addi. Loving brother to Ann and Pauline (Tom) and brother-in-law to Dolly. Special dad to Bob and Gwen Mahood, and special YaYa Ara to Dayna (Doug), Michelle (Matt), Andrew, Blake and Jane. Ara leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends, all of whom he held close to his heart. Predeceased by parents Abkar and Loussantak, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Andy, Doreen, Alice, Hygus, Sam, Peggy, Ron, Mary, Harry and Bill.
As a brilliant aeronautical engineer from the University of Detroit, Ara was also a Lieutenant with the Royal Navy Reserves and began his career with the Avro Arrow. While working on the little known Avro Car (flying saucer), its closing in 1959 forced a career change and a life of voting Liberal! Declining opportunities to NASA and the Canadian Forces, and with the support of his loving wife and newly trained nurse Audrey, Ara returned to school and used his math skills to become a high school teacher. Ara went on to have an extremely successful career in education with the Lincoln County Board of Education from where he retired in 1989 as the Principal of Niagara District Secondary School. Committed to his community, Ara was Chair of the Niagara District Health Council, a board member of the St. Catharines Transit Commission, the Niagara District Airport, the Civic Employees’ Credit Union, and was a volunteer with Hospice Niagara. Ara enjoyed his trips to the casino, and sends a shout-out to all of his friends in valet parking. To all who knew him, Ara will be remembered for his warm and infectious smile, always making sure you knew how much you mattered to him. Ara’s gentle soul and kind heart shone through to his final days.
Ara and his family extend their heartfelt appreciation to their family and friends for their love and support. They would also like to thank Ara’s medical team for their dedication, compassion, and incredible care over the years during Ara’s illness. They would especially like to thank Drs Wright, Taylor, Gruber, Jei Almdhem, Haynen, O’Byrne, and Soliman, as well as Kim and Bubba from Cardiac Care. The family will receive friends at George Darte Funeral Home at 585 Carleton Street on Saturday, December 8th from 2-6 pm. A service will be held at George Darte Funeral Home on Sunday, December 9th at 10 am.
If so desired, donations can be made to Hospice Niagara or a charity of choice.