Paul Sahak Derian

Doctor Paul Sahak (Mike) Derian, of Marion, Va., passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 31, 2009, at Smyth County Hospital Marion, Va., in the presence of his beloved wife, Beverley Birchfield "B.B." Derian and their children. Mike Derian led a long and colorful life. He had a distinguished career as an orthopaedic surgeon. A lifelong athlete and competitive runner into his 80's, he was an imposing presence in the local, state and national street and track running scene. Throughout his life, he was blessed with an extensive, loving family, devoted friends and the strong support of the Episcopal church community.
Born July 25, 1922, in New York City, he was the first generation of Armenian and French immigrant parents. Mike attended public school and, following high school graduation, volunteered for the United States Navy and served as a pharmacist's mate during World War II.
Mike attended the University of Virginia on the GI Bill. He completed his undergraduate degree in 1946, medical degree in 1951, and orthopaedic surgery residency in 1956; he was elected into the Raven Society and Sigma XI medical fraternity. He was also the proud captain of the UVA baseball team, where he played third baseman and outfield.
Mike served as professor and chief of orthopaedic surgery at the University of Mississippi for 20 years. Throughout his tenure at the University of Mississippi, he was a fearless champion of the underprivileged. He suffered many criticisms and risks as he promoted racial equality, desegregation and equal medical care during the tumultuous Civil Rights era.
In 1978, Mike moved to Marion, Va. to begin a private orthopaedic surgery practice. Shortly thereafter, he fell in love with and married Beverley Birchfield "B.B." Thompson and happily settled into the Marion community. He greatly enjoyed raising the three Thompson boys, Dan, Bill and Jim. Mike was a national figure in competitive tennis and running, and won many awards and medals throughout his late adult life. Mike had many friends, few foes and loved every aspect of living in Marion.
Mike was preceded in death by an infant older brother, Arthur Bayenderian (d. 12/28/1919); his mother, Renee Marie Tabore Bayenderian (6/15/1895 5/8/1984); his father, Sahak Bayenderian (3/31/1891 6/29/1975).
Mike is survived by his wife, Beverley Birchfield "B.B." Derian; his older brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Armen and Mrs. Marilyn Derian, of Alexandria, Va.; children, Daniel Benjamin and Delta Thompson, of Roanoke, Va., Dr. William "Bill" Brodie and Tracy Thompson, of Marion, Va., James Berkeley and B'easy Thompson, of Blacksburg, Va., Renee Brooke Derian, of New York, N.Y., Dr. Thomas Craig Derian and Jennifer Strauss, of Chapel Hill, N.C., Michael Tabore Sahak Derian and Margaret Atwell, of Washington D.C.; and grandchildren, Leslie Blue Derian, John Thomas Derian, Laura Nicole Thompson, Dana Fenton Thompson, Taylor Lee Thompson, Trey James Thompson, Frank Hollingsworth Thompson, Virginia Berkeley Thompson and Sophia Derian Thompson.
Funeral service will be held Tuesday, November 3, 2009, at 2 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, in Marion, Va., with the Reverend Doctor Christopher Mason officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Christ Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, 401 West Main Street, Marion, Va. 24354.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Derian Family.