JACK HAGOP MEKJIAN

.Jack Hagop Mekjian, born in Evereg on May 25, 1916, passed away just short of his 100th birthday. His parents were Ohannes and Vartanoush (Kaylemjian) Mekjian. During the Genocide, the family, with his parents, sister Rose and maternal Grandmother Kaylemjian, left their homeland and went to Syria. His father, with the help of cousin Harry Mekjian, came to America (Detroit) to make arrangements for the family to follow. Finally, in 1927, Jack arrived in Detroit with his mother and sister Rose. Jack received his education and graduated from the Printing Department of Cass Technical High School. With his expertise in printing, he began working for Calvert Printing Company. But, Jack had further aspirations to work with his hands. He enrolled in Henry Ford Trade School as an apprentice tool and die maker and graduated as a Journeyman Tool & Die Maker. He then worked for Mardigian Corporation for 20 years. Ultimately, with the help of his brother, Arthur, he went to Chysler Corp. as a Tool & Die Maker until his retirement in 1985. He married Helen Pehlivanian in 1944. Jack worked hard to support them and raised a fine family. They lived happily together for 71 years until Helen' s passing last year. Jack's lifelong passion was working with his hands. He built two boats for his family's enjoyment. With his love of being on water, he built the first surfboard ever seen on the waters of Cass Lake. To leave as a "hishadag" (a remembrance, or family heirloom), he built unique TV tables for all of his children. Jack Hagop Mekjian never forgot his heritage. He traveled to Beirut to visit his grandmother in 1963 and took his wife and Kathy to Armenia in 1986. Most of all, he enjoyed his retirement, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. *************************************************************************************************************** JACK HAGOP MEKJIAN; Beloved husband of the late Helen Mekjian. Dearest father of Katherine Mekjian, Alice Mekjian, Johanna (Gary) Novak, John (Dr. Mary Beth Rupp) Mekjian. Loving grandfather of 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Dear brother of Rose (the late David) Ghoogasian, Arthur (Virginia) Mekjian. Also survived by many other relatives and friends. In State Wednesday 6pm to 9pm with Dan Gark prayers at 7:30pm in St. John Armenian Church, 22001 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, MI. The family will also receive friends in the church on Thursday from 9am until time of funeral service at 10:00am. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorials suggested to St. John Armenian Church Jack & Helen Mekjian Fuller House or Evereg-Fenesse Educational Society. Kindly leave a loving tribute here. Thank You.Funeral Service:St John Armenian Church22001 Northwestern Hwy Southfield, MIDan Gark Prayers in church Wed 7:30pm. The family will also receive friends in church Thurs from 9am until time of funeral service 10am

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