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HARRY HAIG SAROYAN, age 76, of Grand Terrace, CA, passed into the Lord's presence on September 27, 2016 surrounded by loved ones, Harry died peacefully at home from complications of heart disease and related illness. Harry was born 1940 in Cairo, Egypt. He was a full apprentice in tool and die at age 12. He attended Cairo University and took part in the Lebanese Rocket program before emigrating to the USA at age 22. He served in the U.S. Air Force, achieved a Master's of Tool Design Engineering and created parts for NASA's Apollo 3 and 4 missions. In 1969 Harry settled in California and opened Saroyan Mastercrafts making customized metal products. His oriental designs and musical recordings made him a beloved champion of middle eastern arts and music worldwide. Harry is survived by his wife of 38 years, Elizabeth Carol; son Ren Smith; daughter Kathryn Kruger; son-in-law Ron Kruger; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all. Memorial services will be held at Valley View Chapel, Montecito Mortuary: Visitation on Sunday, Oct. 9, 4 - 8 pm. Funeral Service on Monday, Oct. 10 at 10 am with burial to follow.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary.
Oh no! I just found out about Mr. Saroyan's passing. I have a wonderful memory of speaking with Mr. Saroyan on the phone when his online store was closing due to health issues. He was no longer creating his swords, however he would create two just for me. He autographed the invoice for me. His long time assistant put him on the phone to speak to me and I was flabbergasted! He was such a nice, nice person. I choked on my words and was mortified. I will miss you Mr. Saroyan. Never did I get to visit your shop. I'm sorry. Prayers and deepest condolences to your family. Gone too young and too soon. A true Icon in many ways.
Lana
February 5, 2018
I am saddened to learn of his passing and your loss. Harry listened to my stories for years, though we never met. Sometimes a stranger comes along your path and you are a better person for it. Harry, your family was truly blessed to have had such a kind man in their lives. I will miss sending you stories...thank you for always being so thoughtful...
Gina
Gina
January 19, 2017
Dearest Harry, You were a special friend all through the years. As a vendor I shared all of your cymbals and swords with customers and as a dancer used your music with them when I performed. I will miss you so much and am glad for all the beautiful memories. Jorjana
January 8, 2017
Dearest Betty and Family, The service was amazing and honored Harry and you so beautifully. Thank you for allowing so many of us to share memories. Sending our thoughts and prayers you way every day!! Love and Light. Anaheed
MaryAnn Cappa
January 7, 2017
Dear Harry,
As I've said before to you,"Thank you for being one of the most consistent gentlemen I've ever known at our Middle Eastern events. Thank you for the fancy well toned zills you designed! Thank you for the fancy diamond shaped toned coins you designed too. Thank you for the legacy of your wonderful music that I love so much!"
You were honored much during your life.
Be at peace, our friend. Rest in peace.
We celebrate you every time we hear you sing or use your instruments. Salaam!
- "Shalimar"
December 26, 2016
Harry and Betty were good friends with my wife Joyce and I. Our friendship developed over a period of 12 years. I first met Harry when he called me in August of 2004 to create a website for his business so he could sell the zills he manufactured on the Internet.
Over the years, I created for him several websites and maintained his websites. Our friendship grew as we worked together over the years.
I missed working with him when he retired, but we kept our friendship and Joyce and I would meet with him and Betty in Temecula - about half way between us - for brunch on Sunday.
Joyce and I will miss him very much. He was a wonderful man, very gracious and caring. We lost a wonderful friend that we will always remember.
Stan Lieberman
Stan Lieberman
November 14, 2016
I'm sad to learn that Mr. Saroyan has passed on. Some years' back, I spoke to him on the phone regarding his Zills, and he was such a pleasant man to speak with ... he also explained a technique that greatly improved my Zill playing skills. It was indeed an honor to have spoken to Harry Saroyan all those years ago ... may he rest in the House of the Lord in peace and tranquility.
Kathryn M. Munin
November 5, 2016
Harry Saroyan was my neighbor and my good friend.
Harry was a passionate artist and a perfectionist. The result was craftsmanship that is unexcelled. Sometimes his passion for perfectionism got in the way of his relationships, but never with me.
Harry was also a passionate American patriot. It was always uplifting to converse with him about the opportunities this country provided him, and he responded in kind.
Jan and I witnessed 27 years of Harry's devotion to his wife Betty. And we are so pleased that she has no plan to leave the lovely home that he made their castle on Holly Street. Harry left far too soon, and we began to miss him before he left.
Doug Hackleman (neighbor and friend)
October 31, 2016
I have known you for close to 14 years and it's my pleasure to call you friend!! It never felt like a "tenant" relationship it was true friends and everyone here at Western Enterprises will miss you stopping by just to "chat"......... you meant so much to all of us and you will be surely missed.... Betty, if you need anything, please don't hesitate to call or stop by... Love ya!!!
Connie Burge
October 10, 2016
Betty, it was always wonderful to see you and Harry at the Cascades in the audience and see your big, beautiful smiles. I have wonderful memories with you and Harry; always laughing and having a good time. I returned to belly dance classes last summer & went to the shimmy quake hoping to say hello to both of you and told business was sold. I still have my beautiful sword. I dug out my cymbals that were packed away. I polished them up, replaced elastic and loved playing my cymbals in my classes. One of my favorite songs of Harry's is "Miserlou"(my father's band used to also play it). I still have his CDs and recently heard Miserlou. You and Harry touched so many lives. I am truly sorry for your loss. Asmara (Mary Ann Bazensky)
Asmara
October 6, 2016
I loved his music. I used his zils & swords for years. I was thrilled to actually meet him in person at the 2001 Conference on Middle Eastern Dance in Orange County, CA. He was very personable & welcoming. Harry will be sorely missed.
Kathleen Hennessy
October 6, 2016
Thank you Sir for all you've done and all the love of dance and music you so generously shared. Our dance community would not be what it is today without you. Wishing you much love on your journey forward! ❤
LayNa Bolen
October 5, 2016
Betty, we all have wonderful memories of this great talented individual. My most favorite and loving memory was when the "Beledi Dancers" (Noor, Trissia, Julie and Lucy/Cyra did a tribute to "Harry Sings - An Oriental Bouquet" combined with the Blues Brothers at the mid '80 Cairo Carnivale, we were dressed as the Blues Brothers and playing the Kazoo. After our performance Harry came out to inquire who the four guys were. He was surprised to know that they were actually four women, he definitely got a kick out of it. Harry is still singing and bringing joy to all. Lucy/Cyra
Lucy (Cyra) Diaz
October 4, 2016
Thank you for your joyful nature, artistry and craftsmanship (finger cymbals, etc.) You shall be dearly missed by all of us in the Bellydance community. Return to the universe where you may continue to sing among the stars.
Jihan Jamal
October 3, 2016
I am so honored to have known you when I first met you at MECDA'S events. I bought my first pair of your Zills then later had to get 3 more pairs, then Simitar and Coins and Music. Just recently I dance to your beautiful music.. You have brought so much to our Belly Dance Community and had so much fun at the Halloween parties with pretty Betty your wife. I shall never forget you and I will continue to play your Zills and dance to your music, Sway with your Simitar and Shimmy your Coins.. my deepest Love and Condolences to you Betty Saroyan and all of your Family... xoxo "Sabrina"
Terry Poochigian
October 2, 2016
Your voice like bird...too many lately...you sang for my dance...thank you for being in my life
Farhana Masri
October 1, 2016
A gentleman and fine musician. His music first came to me on vinyl albums which I still have and value greatly. I shall miss him and the mystic images his voice and music wove. My condolences to his family and the dance community. He will live on in our hearts and dance souls. Jessie Hendrigan, (Trail, BC)
October 1, 2016
So honored that I got to meet and talk with you. R.I.P.
Barb Palmer
October 1, 2016
Kisa Pietrowski-Ciullo
October 1, 2016
Harry, I was so sad to hear that you had left us. You were such a talented and wonderful man, and you will be so missed by so many. My heart is breaking for Betty because I know how much she loved you. Rest in peace dear friend and thank you for the memories.
September 30, 2016
Such an honor to work with Harry many years ago (mastercrafts catalog). Prayers and condolences to Aunt Betty and the family. MikaElla
September 30, 2016
Harry was a dear friend who had great passion and deep feelings. His voice had a power and love that carried notes through the floor of the stage and to the very back walls. I am sad I will never hear "Cairo" or "Miserlou" sung by him again. He was special. He will be missed profoundly.
~Amaya of New Mexiico
Amaya
September 30, 2016
Harry,, you will be greatly missed.....that sweet, smooth voice ...UNFORGETTABLE!
Turid Hanssen
September 30, 2016
Thank you for all the wonderful music, it was the 1st belly dance music I heard way back when -- perom Pom Pom! Thank you for all the Zills I purchased from you at Rakassah and the Desert Dance Festival. I was also lucky to get one of your swords a few years ago. RIP, heaven now has your smiling face looking down at us.
Saqqara (Karen) Lucas
September 30, 2016
I am truly honoured to have met you in Las Vegas.I love your music and my saroyan zills are even more cherished now. A true gentleman who will be missed and remembered with fondness.
Nancy McKenna
September 30, 2016
Harry made great music with his voice, cymbals, coins, energy, friendship, and support for the belly dance community. I remember how he laughed when I did a comedy version of Little Egypt at his event. Betty said it kept him laughing! I loved seeing Harry and Betty at many belly dance events. Harry was one in a million. I am so glad to have known this wonderful man. Trissia Baughman
Trissia Baughman
September 30, 2016
The iconic Mr. Harry Saroyan is no longer with us but will always be with us in spirit with the memory of his beautiful voice, his dynamic personality, his devotion to his wife, Betty, and his devotion to our industry with continuous support and graciousness. And we will continue to carry on in his memory, tho with great sorrow, utilizing the products of his dedication to providing the highest quality of musical finger cymbals, coins and scimitars. You reside with us in our hearts, Harry, and your contributions will be honored and remembered. You were a dear and much loved friend. Everyone you met was touched by your warmth and energy. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Betty Saroyan, their children and families. Much love to you all from Isis and Del
Isis Bartlett
September 30, 2016
I'm lucky enough to have zils, coins, and a coveted Saroyan sword--and the music in a couple of formats. He will be greatly missed.
margaret richardson
September 30, 2016
Will always love and miss my dear friend. I will keep playing and dancing to his angelic music, swords, zills and the sound of Saroyan costume coins. Our love to his beautiful wife and soulmate, Betty! I can hear him singing "Cairo" in my sleep. Love you, Harry from your Friends Sandra Kamar and Dan Luna
Sandra Kamar and Dan Luna
September 30, 2016
I will miss you. Your music, your kindness. Thank you, for being apart of the world I've grown to love of music and dance. I can still hear you MC at YaHalla, the smell of your favorite tea filling the air. Your smile, your kind words, your song you shared.
Mary Dishman
September 30, 2016
still play my zils from long ago... thank you for wonderful music. love to all
Janet Sutherland
September 30, 2016
Still own and use many sets of Zils made by Harry! Condolences to Betty and family. Pat Olson and Denise Mannion Mount Shasta, Ca (PANGIA)
PANGIA
September 30, 2016
Sympathy and heartfelt condolences to Betty and family. His music will always be with us and wonderful memories live on. Thank you Harry for your time with us and the joy that will continue whenever your music and zills are heard! Blessings & Love
Anaheed
September 30, 2016
Holding on to the Great Memories of
Harry H. Saroyan--Our Sympathy to the Saroyan Family & Friends- Za-Beth & Phaedra Rose, Boston ,Ma East Coast-
September 30, 2016
Many times, I would sit in the dark with candles lit and listen to you sing Cairo and it lifted my soul! Rest in Peace.... Jody "Tahjia" Slaugh
Jody Slaugh
September 30, 2016
Harry, you will be missed. You left an eternal imprint across the globe. Rest in peace. My deepest condolences to Betty and the Saroyan family.
Mher Panossian
September 30, 2016
The world has lost a brilliant light that will never dim in our eyes. Thank you, Harry, for the beautiful memories. Healing prayers for your family.
Linda Smith
September 30, 2016
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
EUGENIA ALDI
September 30, 2016
My first album purchase as a baby dancer was "Saroyan Sings". Harry's beautiful music will forever live and move through us all. Peace and best wishes to all his loved ones.
Mary Pierce
September 30, 2016
I will always hear your voice , feel your soul....travel on in peace
Cory Zamora , Fresno CA.
cory zamora
September 30, 2016
I have so many treasured sets of your cymbals. They have seen me through several decades of work and performance. Wonderful work for the music dancers make. Thanks for all that you did. Will miss you and the lives that we led.
Marguerite Garner
September 30, 2016
Loving thoughts to your friends and family, and prayers for peace at this challenging time. Even so, please find comfort in the fact that Harry's sweet spirit will be with us all with every ring of his beautiful zills. We will NEVER lose that.
Jo deJournette
September 30, 2016
Condolences to your family, you will be missed by many, may your heart and soul find peace and comfort.
Barbara Burgos
September 30, 2016
A gem of a person, and one that will be missed. He was kind, and that is sometimes more than anything.
Gwyneth Aubrey
September 30, 2016
There isn't a dancer who hasn't been touched by your kindness and music...thank you for your love of what we love. Sending blessings to your family as you continue on you soul's path...
Gia al Qamar
September 30, 2016
Thank you for everything you have done for our dance community; you will be missed. My condolences to your family.
Nizana el Rassan
September 30, 2016
Harry, my beloved friend, I will always remember your fantastic voice, warm, welcoming personality and the love & respect you had for dance & dancers. You are an irreplaceable treasure & so are your finger cymbals. Thank you for naming a pair after me. My sympathies & condolences to your wonderful wife & family. You will be greatly missed.
Morocco / "Aunt Rocky"
September 30, 2016
Some of my favorite memories include your music and dancing to it...seeing you perform ...condolances to your family and friends.
Susan Embum
September 29, 2016
Thank you for a Life well-lived, full of wonderful music and amazing craftsmanship of beautifully made metal objects that will last forever. You've touched so many artists' lives. Rest in peace, dear Harry, and my condolences to your family.
Melissa Crandall
September 29, 2016
Dear Harry, you were such a wonderful gentleman, always the consumate professional, and loved the music so much that you showed us all the way to love it as well. I only got to work with you rarely, being in Northern California, but every single time I did, it was an exceptional experience. You put your whole soul into it, and made it easy to reach tarab with your taqsims. Blessings on you always, and love and condolences to those who were closest. We all share in your sorrow.
Bàraka
September 29, 2016
Harry, I will always remember your beautiful smile! Always a wonderful hug and beautiful smile. We will miss your spirit, your voice, your charm! Sending Love to Betty and family
Anisa
September 29, 2016
To the Family Of Harry Saroyan,
He was a wonderful man, and meeting him was a joy.
Sorry to here he has passed, he will be missed.
Saroya Poirier
September 29, 2016
Thank you so much for your beautiful voice, beautiful heart, and beautiful soul. Your light has moved from the earth to the heavens. You will always be in our hearts and your music will always be with us.
Prayers of comfort and strength to your family.
Jeanette Cunningham
September 29, 2016
Peace and prayers to your loved ones and family and friends. Harry, you touched the lives of so many women and men - your warmth, generosity, your love of music radiated like a great soft light. Even your voice on the telephone left anyone who spoke with you feeling happy. The wonderful gifts you gave the dance community - your extraordinary music and your unmatched finger cymbals will live on. Rest well, dear Harry.
Felicia ( Jawhara) Elias
September 29, 2016
Thank you for your love of music and dancers around the world. May peace be with your family at this time
cyndi shattler
September 29, 2016
Harry my brother, your sisters from from Visalia love you and thank you for sharing your wonderful talent, humor and kindness with us for over 30 years in the dance and in life. Betty and family, so sorry for your loss but so grateful to you for your friendship and strength. Love you all Patti Gutierrez, Sahah Dance Troupe
Patti Gutierrez
September 29, 2016
Dearest Harry, Family & Close Friends,
To Harry: You have left us all such an incredible part of who you were. Your legacy lives on for those of us who sing your song with the cymbals on our hands. We will always be dancing in your honor, so grateful for the opportunity to have met you whether it be in person or through our mutual love of this art. May all of the Gods and Goddesses, now angels, in our industry that have gone before you, keep and protect you in their loving arms! Rest in sweet peace, Harry Saroyan!
To Family and Close Friends: May the love of the Universe engulf you and keep you close to heart during this time of great transition. Know that you are loved by all, whose lives were touched by his presence and vision.
Jaynellen & the Ladies of DanceCraft
September 29, 2016
You are a living legend all these years - thank you for blessing us during your life, and much love and sympathy to those you leave behind.
Lisa Price
September 29, 2016
Dear Harry, You were a class act in life and I bet you are shaking up the heavens with your beautiful voice and charm! Love and comfort to your beautiful soulmate, Betty, as well as your family, who is in our hearts at this time. Love Titanya Dahlin and Jeff Richards
Titanya Dahlin
September 29, 2016
You will be missed by a great many people, rest well, sweet minstrel.
Donna Cucheran
September 29, 2016
Dear Harry, although I didn't know you personally, your life has changed thousands of other lives, including mine. I'm so glad that you took so much pride in your craft, and I will never play any other sagat than yours. God bless you and your family! <3 <3 <3
Serafina
September 29, 2016
Dear Harry,
Thank you for having been the wonderful person you were with me and my whole family. You were so kind, generous, thoughtful and full of passion for life. You were a class act and will be missed by many. Betty remains in our thoughts and prayers...Bless you and your family forever.
Sarita Mileta
September 29, 2016
Dear Harry, you brought joy to so many. A life well lived.
Thank you,
Ani
September 29, 2016
Rest peacefully and pain free. The Wind knows your name and you are part of the song it sings now. Thank you for the kindness you have shown those that knew you, both near and far. Seylena Troi
Seylena Troi
September 29, 2016
From Shadia and my husband Kevin my heart is sad that we have lost you but you and your wife are in our thoughts and prayers. Love you so much
Linda(Shadia) Starcovic
September 29, 2016
Always in our hearts. A treasured friendship.
Anne and Frank Shears
Annd & Frank Shears
September 29, 2016
For years and years I was his customer. He was such a willing, gentle man. My prayers go out to family and friends for their loss. I believe Harry is singing and playing in a new field now.
Cheryl McGuire
September 29, 2016
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