ARTIN S. TOMBALAKIAN

In Loving Memory 1929 - 2024 With profound sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of our exceptional father, Artin S. Tombalakian, on September 14, 2024, in New York, NY, with his family by his side. We are deeply grateful for his long, varied, and joyful life, which spanned nearly 95 remarkable years. His relentless optimism, wise guidance, and unwavering devotion to his loved ones and community have left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Artin was predeceased in 2011 by his one true love, his beloved wife, Mary K. Tombalakian. He will be tremendously missed by his three daughters, Lisa, Nora, and Celia; his sons-in-law, Klaus Duss and David Shafer; and his four cherished grandchildren, Daisy, Penelope, Leo, and Maya. He is also survived by his sister, Hripsime Matossian; along with many extended family members and dear friends. Born in 1929 in the Holy Land, Artin's remarkable journey began when he immigrated to Canada in 1952 to pursue graduate education at the University of Toronto, starting with a Master's degree and later completing a PhD in Chemical Engineering. In 1958, at just 29 years old, he was recommended by the University's Dean of Applied Science and Engineering to establish a Faculty of Engineering in Sudbury, Ontario - a region rich in mineral resources. Despite the overwhelming challenge, Artin accepted the mission and became instrumental in the development of Laurentian University, where he helped build and chair the Department of Chemistry, and later served as Chairman and Director of the School of Engineering. His distinguished career at Laurentian spanned 37 years, culminating in his retirement as Professor Emeritus in 1995. Beyond his academic contributions, Artin was deeply involved in his community. He served as a founding member of Cambrian College's Advisory Committee and its Board of Governors. He was also a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra and played a key role in establishing the Sudbury and District Section of the Chemical Institute of Canada, serving as its Chairman. In 1966, he became one of the youngest individuals to be elected as a Fellow of the Chemical Institute of Canada. He remained a lifelong member of the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario, and his accomplishments were recognized in Canadian Who's Who. Artin loved to travel, spend time in Toronto, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of his home on Walford Road in Sudbury, surrounded by cherished friends and neighbors. He found joy in playing bridge and table tennis, listening to classical music, and immersing himself in the natural splendor of Northern Ontario. In his final years, Artin especially cherished spending time with his grandchildren who appreciated his "up for anything" joie-de-vivre. We are deeply touched by the many kind condolence messages we have received from friends and family around the world. As a family, we will forever cherish the countless happy memories we shared with Artin, both in Canada and abroad. His legacy of kindness, wisdom, and love will remain with us always. In celebration of a life well-lived, we honour Artin's enduring spirit and the profound impact he made on his family, friends, and community.