Richard David Kalashian

1947 - 2022

Richard David Kalashian
August 8, 1947 - May 2, 2022
Fresno, California - Father, farmer, entrepreneur, mentor, friend. Richard lived a full life and filled the world with an even larger spirt. While his life endured both hardships and successes Richard embraced each situation wanting to understand them, and always looked for ways to make wrongs right.
Born in 1947 in Fresno, California to Gladys and Sark Kalashian, Richard was the third of four children. He attended Bullard High School, where he was active in the Madrigals and varsity football teams, graduating in 1965. Richard went on to attend both Fresno City College and California State University, Fresno with a focus on pre-med classes in anticipation of a career in dentistry. Richard's path changed following his marriage in 1970. He joined his father-in-law in farming and grew into his own niche as a packer, processor, and fig grower providing crops for both Fig Newtons and Paul Newman's Fig Bars.
Slowing down in his mid-50's, Richard shifted his focus to helping and mentoring others. He took great pride in his work and fellowship through Celebrate Recovery. He continued to mentor and invest in the Fresno business community and served on regional boards supporting a more sustainable future for growing and farming throughout the San Joaquin Valley.
Richard passed peacefully in the early morning hours of May 2. He was preceded in death by his parents Sark and Gladys Kalashian; his brother S. Baxter Kalashian Jr.; sister Mary Katherine Niksarian and brother-in-law Raymond Niksarian.
Richard is survived by his partner Gail Purtell; sons Karson (Jennifer) Kalashian and Ryan (Courtney) Kalashian; grandchildren Margaret, Katherine, and Calder; sister Verjene Kalashian and sister-in-law Sylvia Kalashian; niece Kristian (Edward) Minasian; and ex-wife Jane Carruth.
A celebration of his life will be held for close friends and family later this summer. Remembrances can be sent to 5323 N. Briarwood, Fresno, CA 93711.