JIKERJIAN, Setrak Avedis - My father, Setrak Avedis Jikerjian, passed peacefully after a long battle with dementia, on May 1, 2021 at Shepherd Village Care Community. He was four days shy of his 92nd birthday.
We were by his side thanks to the generosity and compassion of the Shepherd Village team despite the current COVID restrictions in place. Our sincere thanks to my father’s care team at Shepherd Lodge.
He is survived by his loving spouse of 44 years, Meline Maghakian-Jikerjian, his adored daughter Nathalie, his devoted son-in-law Sako (Sarkis) and his two admired grandchildren, Hagop, 7, and Melanie, 5, whom he worshipped.
He is also survived by his brothers Vartan Jikerjian (Garo & Sarine Jikerjian and Family) and Alexander (Diana) Jikerjian (together with their children Harout and Victoria Jikerjian and Family, Vasken and Caroline Jabourian and Family, and Johnny Jikerjian) and his only sister, Jeanette Jikerjian-Calandar, who will miss him dearly.
He was predeceased by and rejoins in eternal life his parents Avedis and Nazelie Jikerjian, his brothers Garo and Levon Jikerjian, and his three beloved brothers-in-law Nishan Boujoukian, Harout Maghakian and Bernard Calandar.
My father will be remembered for bringing joy to everyone he met. He lit up a room with his bright smile, his comedic and always positive attitude, and his zeal for living life. He never took a moment for granted and constantly said the words "Park Asdudzo" (Praise the Lord) even up to his last few breaths.
He will be remembered for his strong commitment to his family, his faith, his pride in being Armenian - the son of Genocide orphans from Hadjn, Lebanese - a country to whom he had a sense of unparalleled patriotism, and for being an incredibly proud Canadian who never missed an opportunity to vote in an election - he felt it was his duty and honour to partake in the benefits of being a citizen of such a strong democracy.
I will personally remember my father with the countless memories we shared, but in the flood of moments that come to mind, I remember his love of reading the newspaper every single morning in our household. He subscribed to countless publications and read every major Canadian newspaper daily. It's what inspired me to pursue a career in media and journalism and I always had his full support in everything I did. My father beamed with pride at every graduation and every accolade my mom and I received.
He was a noble man who loved treating people with honour and respect. Despite being from a certain period of time when gender equality was viewed differently than it is today, he believed women are in every way equal to men and pushed me and my mother to be the strong women we are today.
We cherish the time my father had with his grandchildren – Hagop and Melanie. He thoroughly enjoyed this last chapter of his life the most. My father had an amazing life – he was a world traveler curious to see new places and people, he was a renowned freelance photographer, he was a committed friend – I have visions of him playing tavli (backgammon) on our balcony with his best friend Amo Kevork and Amo Vahe (who then became Vahe Keri) and holding my mom’s hand through the good and bad they faced together. They were a loving couple and balanced each other beautifully.
Dad – look at all the flowers you sent mom for Mother’s Day this year and you didn’t even know it. We will honour your memory always and celebrate your 92nd birthday tomorrow as we lay you to rest. Asdvadz Hokit Loussavore … Hoghe Tetev Ka Vrat Sireli Babas… NJG
Arrangmenets entrusted with Kane-Jerrett funeral home.
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