LAWRENCE "Larry" AVAKIAN

Lawrence Vaughan Avakian was born in Fresno, CA, on January 25, 1932. His parents, Avak and Surphooi, fled genocide in Armenia for a better life in America. Larry was the youngest of ten children in his immigrant family. In school he was a four-sport athlete, Longfellow Junior High Student Body President, Roosevelt High Senator of Safety, Excalibur member and Hi-Y President. Larry met his future spouse, Cathy Smith, in 1950. Like most teenagers in love, they were inseparable, going to movies, school dances and their favorite Chinese restaurant. Their romance was timeless. Larry's sense of duty, focus and dedication led him to join the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict, stationed at Castle Air Force Base. After serving, he graduated from Fresno State College with a business degree. Larry had a highly successful oil industry career, holding management positions with Tidewater, Phillips66, Tosco, Gasco and as Vice President of Marketing with TransCanada. Larry believed your word was your bond, that good relationships made for a successful career and life, and that loyalty and friendship meant everything. Colleagues shared, Larry was "a wonderful person, and a good friend," "the best boss I ever had," "a gentleman, someone you could always trust," and "a fierce competitor, but I never heard him say a bad word about anyone." Larry proved you could succeed in business by honoring loyal, trusted friendships. At home he coached the baseball team, helped lead the scout troop, served at church and never missed his sons' activities. He sat at their beds telling stories of his childhood. He sometimes brought a newspaper to dinner and questioned his boys on the news of the day, teaching them the world was a bigger place than their kitchen table. It was also a table full of laughter, especially at holidays. Nobody appreciated Larry's jokes more than him. He was present, influential, and although it was clear he expected diligence, his love was equally clear and not only with his family. It was not unusual for his sons' friends to spend a night, or month, because things weren't right at their own homes. Larry and Catherine's home was open to all. After his sons had their own families, Grandpa Larry brought the same love, laughter and wisdom to his grandchildren, who adored him. This year Larry fought cancer and a weakening heart. On October 21, 2018, his tired heart could go on no more. His love for family and friends, humor and perseverance were with him to the end. Larry is survived by his wife Catherine; sons, Brian and partner Mike, and former spouse Colleen, and Brad and spouse Debbie; and grandchildren, Nathan, Cathy Jo, Megan and Claire. A private burial with immediate family will occur on December 11, 2018. Please join the family on December 12, 2018, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. to remember him at Catherine and Larry's home at Oakmont of Fresno, 5605 N. Gates Avenue, Fresno, CA 93722.