Nick Dokoozlian Sr.

NICK DOKOOZLIAN, SR.

Nick passed away on Monday, October 10, 2005, in Fresno. He was 77 years old. Nick was born in Fresno on August 5, 1928, to Kasper and Armen Dokoozlian of Dinuba. He was raised on the family raisin grape vineyard and attended Grand View Elementary School and Dinuba High School. He was a four-sport letterman at Dinuba High School, excelling as a fallback and place kicker on the football team and earning Most Valuable Player and All-Conference honors as a senior. Following high school, Nick enrolled at Reedley College where he starred as the fullback of the 1947 Conference Championship Team, earning Most Valuable Player and All-Conference honors. He continued his football career at Fresno State College where he led the team in rushing and was named the fullback of the Little-College All American Team in 1951. He graduated from Fresno State College in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Viticulture. Following a year of service in the U.S. Army, Nick returned to Fresno State to manage the school vineyard and assist in the teaching of viticulture courses. He remained in this position for 20 years before entering private industry. Upon joining industry, he oversaw the establishment and management of several thousand acres of wine grape vineyards, and later served as a grower relations representative for Sun-maid Growers of California. He retired in 1997, maintaining a part-time role as a raisin buyer for Sun-maid Growers up to the time of his passing. Nick remainded closely involved with the viticulture and athletic programs at Fresno State College throughout his life. He was a founding member of the Viticulture Club and the Viticulture Alumni Club, serving in many cepacities in each of these organizations including president. He was a founding member of the Bulldog Foundation, assisting with fundraising activities for over 30 years and most recently serving on the Board of Trustees. Nick was a loyal member of the Fresno State Red Wave, faithfully attending home and away football and basketball games with his wife and friends. An avid San Francisco 49er fan for over 50 years, he also took great pride in their victories and championships. He was a member of the Triple X Fraternity of California, serving as Master of the Selma Chapter in 1968, as well as the Men's Society of the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church in Fresno. Teammates and football fans will remember Nick as an explosive, powerful fullback with darting speed. Others will remember him as an accomplished viticulturist, valued mentor and trusted friend. His wife and sons will remember him as a wonderful husband and father, devoted and unselfish, who left a treasured and everlasting legacy of love. His grandchildren will remember him as a gentle and loving spirit who made them feel like they were the most important people on earth. The family wishes to thank his physician, Dr. Thampi John, as well as the nurses and staff of the California Heart Hospital, for their loving and dedicated care during his illness. He was preceded in death by his sister, Marian Dokoozlian Minasian. He is survived by Bernadine, his devoted and loving wife of 49 years; son Jeff of Fresno; and son Nick and daughter-in-law Lisa and three grandchildren, Bailey, Nicholas and Benjamin, all of Modesto. Visitation will be at Yost and Webb Funeral Home on Sunday, October 16, 2005, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church on Monday, October 17, 2005, at 10:00 a.m., with burial at the Ararat Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to the American Heart Association. YOST & WEBB FUNERAL HOME1002 "T" St. 237-4147