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Visalia, California

SOUREN FARSAKIAN Obituary

Souren Farsakian was born on November 18, 1927, in Bronx, NY. He passed away on Friday, July 28, 2017. Sam moved to Visalia, CA in 1934, with his family. Sam had two loves, his family and baseball. Sam starred in baseball at Visalia High School and went on to play at College of the Sequoias, and Fresno State College for the legendary Pete Biden. He was a member of the 1950 State Championship team at Fresno State. After a two year stint in the United States Army, Sam went on to become Varsity Baseball coach at Orosi High School and Redwood High School. He was part of the original staff for the newly opened Redwood High, and was there for 34 years. Sam was elected into the Redwood High School Hall of Fame and the Fresno State Baseball Wall of Fame, along with his 1950 Championship teammates. Sam married Betty Simonian on June 19, 1954, and together they lived in Visalia for the remainder of their years. He was preceded in death by his loving wife in 2013. Sam is survived by his children, Linda Wall and her husband Mark of Visalia, CA, Larry Farsakian and his wife Wendy of Glenview, IL, and Alan Farsakian and his wife Marceen of Fresno, CA; grandsons, Nickolas, Shant, Troy, and Ben; his brother, John and wife Lucille of Westlake, CA; his in-laws, Richard and Gerry Hagopian, John and Janet Gomes, Chuck and Suzie Simonian; in addition to many nephews, nieces, and friends. Visitation will be held at Miller Memorial Chapel, Visalia, CA, on Wednesday, August 2, 2017, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., followed by a Home Service and a Knights of Vartan Service at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at St. Mary Armenian Church in Yettem, CA, on Thursday, August 3, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to St. Mary Armenian Church of Yettem; Kaweah Delta Hospice; or Fresno State Athletics Department. Tributes and condolences may be made at millerchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA, 559-732-8371.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fresno Bee on Aug. 2, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for SOUREN FARSAKIAN

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George Weaver

August 8, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Sam was a good family friend over the years he will be missed.

Richard and Gerry Hagopian

August 8, 2017

Sam was my brother in law, married to my late Sister Betty. He was a wonderful person to my family. I was only 12 when he came into our family. He was on the faculty at Redwood when I came to
Redwood. He looked over me and gave me guidance. He was always good to me. He taught me how to jitterbug and we would always dance at different occasions. He became a very good friend to my Husband Richard. We took many trips together after I was married. He was always good to my children and grandchildren.
He will be missed by me and my family. He is by my sister Betty now. That is what he wanted.
Love and sympathy to his children, Linda, Larry and Alan and their families.
Love Richard and Gerry

Jeff Christie

August 4, 2017

GREAT job throughout life, Mr Farsakian. RIP.
RHS 81's

Glen Drake

August 4, 2017

So sorry to read the passing of this wonderful mentor, coach, teacher and counselor. Sam was indeed one of the greats at Redwood High School. I had the privilege of serving with him in the counseling department at Redwood. His compassion, and Godly example were clearly something I wanted to pattern my life after. RIP my friend. You were indeed a good and faithful servant of our Lord.

Kermit Wullschleger

August 3, 2017

What an honor to have known Sam Farsakian. He was such an amazing person in so many ways. I saw how he went out of his way to spend time with the dog at Linda and Mark Walls home whenever he came for a visit. I observed his love for our son Phillip because he just happened to be good friends with his grandson Ben. Phillip got a gift of Sam's famous salsa. Phillip got to learn some basketball fundamentals from Sam. When Phillip was confirmed at St. Mary's Sam managed to get over to the church for the confirmation mass to honor Phillip and the important spiritual journey he was about to embark on. It was about a year or two ago that Phillip had a break from college classes and asked if we could go over and pay Sam a visit. Sam was as usual so welcoming and positive about what was going on in Phillip's life and how he was progressing in college. The eulogy today from his son Allen spoke volumes of the humbleness, yet greatness of Sam and how much he was truly loved by his family, friends and wife Betty. RIP Sam and thanks for the memories. Kermit and Jeanette Wullschleger and children, Ryan, Phillip and Andrea Wullschleger.

August 3, 2017

Dear Allen, Larry, Linda
Our heartfelt sympathies to you and your entire family on the passing of your Dad.
May you cherish many happy memories. Our Brother Charlie had a wonderful relationship with your Dad, He called him "ORTACH".
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Eunice, Ann, Jr. and Family Pasadena CA

August 3, 2017

To Linda, Mark, Ben and the entire Farsakian family,
As close as your heartbeat is our love for you at this time of your great loss. It would take ions of time to properly express what Sam meant to me. He became my friend by standing up for me facing adversity. Years later I met Linda and the same respect and admiration was established and the rest is history, we are connected. Thank God I am a believer in the eternal promise that shapes my hope in knowing we are only separated from Sam in body but not spirit. His legacy will always be remembered in our family because of who he is, a real brother in adversity. May Gods grace be with you all through this time of transition until we meet again.
Sincerely,
The Brother from another Mother
The Rev. Larry M. DODSON, Sr. and Family.

August 3, 2017

Dear Allen, Larry and Linda
Our heartfelt sympathies to you and your entire family of your Dad's passing. May you cherish many happy memories. Our Brother Charlie had a wonderful relationship with your Dad. He called him "ORTACH". Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time,
Eunice, Ann, Jr. and Family

Randy Ford, RHS 71

August 3, 2017

Linda, Alan and Larry,
My condolences in the loss of your father. I have run into Mr. Farsakian around town over the years. He was always so positive, such a nice person. God bless and comfort you.

John Iskenderian

August 2, 2017

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

August 2, 2017

Dear Linda, Alan and Larry: Our thoughts and prayers are with you especially at this time in the loss of your father.

Sincerely, Charles and Rosalie
Maseredjian

August 2, 2017

It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.

Barlow Der Mugrdechian

August 2, 2017

Dear Linda, Larry, Alan, and family. My condolences to you on the loss of your father.
He was a frequent guest at our Armenian Studies Program events and I always enjoyed talking with him.

Stephen Hekimian

August 2, 2017

Dear Linda, Larry and Alan,

So sorry to hear of your dear Dad's passing. May the comfort of our Lord Jesus rest upon you all.
Love always,
Steve & Sylva

Joe & Mari Kalashian

August 2, 2017

Sam always had a smile for everyone he met, and so easy to talk with. A true gentleman in every sense of the word. Our condolences to his family

Brent Swanson

August 2, 2017

Linda, Larry and Alan:

So sorry to hear of your father's passing. What a great man. He was one of those people that made Visalia such a great place when we were kids. You probably remember that he bought my late father's pickup after his passing. Sam was so gracious and understanding to my mom at that time. He will be missed and you all will be in my prayers for comfort.

Pam Wingo-Chavious

August 2, 2017

I send all of Sammy's family my love and know that he and Betty gave me many fond memories. Though I was very young when we lived in Visalia, I can still taste that shish kabob (with his secret marinade) and the bourma rolled out with a broom handle! Sam was an amazing man and he will be deeply, deeply missed.... not just by his family but by the entire Armenian community. Again, I send my love and prayers.

Joy Costa Henderson

August 2, 2017

My deepest sympathies to the family. Mr. Farsake guided me through many obstacles during my High School years. He is a legend that cannot ever be replaced. Much love, Joy Costa Henderson

Mark Leonard

August 1, 2017

Sam was a great man. He would stop into the shop from time to time and bring me donuts and sometimes a bag of the best sweet corn. We would just talk or he would have a little thing he needed fixed. My heart goes out to his family. I feel lucky to have known him and he will be missed.

Greg Baker RHS '68

August 1, 2017

Sam was great teacher and great person. I had him for freshman Geography. He was always kind and encouraging to me. I miss him.

Bill and Nancy Donald

August 1, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Linda, Larry, Alan and families. Your dad was a wonderful man and well thought of! Hold on to your memories until you are together again.

August 1, 2017

Sam...a beloved teacher and friend to everyone he met. Actually, there just isn't enough good that could be said about this precious man. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family as I know what a loss you feel. Doris Beattie

Daniel Serna

August 1, 2017

Sam was a one-of-a-kind individual that always had time for you. As an athlete or student, Sam took time to share his wisdom. He was admired for his dedication to the student and love of education.
He will certainly be missed and is a Redwood Ranger forever.

Vito Giotta

August 1, 2017

The great memories of Sam will keep you strong and filled with his love that will comfort you forever. He was the most careing instructor at Redwood High for me in 1964-1968. I have fond memories of his talks with me. God blessed him to help people

Terry Betterton

August 1, 2017

Great memories of a wonderful coach and friend. Sam had a smile for everyone.

Gail Brown Brumley

August 1, 2017

Linda, Larry and Alan,
I'm very sorry to read of the passing of your dad. I have some great memories from our childhood!! Thinking of all of you and sending hugs and prayers.. . Gail

Chrissy (Majarian) Carlson

July 31, 2017

So sorry to hear about the passing of your dad....He was such a sweetheart...Many of my childhood memories have both your Mom & Dad in them. I have a picture of your Dad & I dancing at my wedding in my wedding album. It's now a cherished memory...Sending my prayers, hugs & love to you all...Love, Chrissy

Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results

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Memorial Events
for SOUREN FARSAKIAN

Aug

2

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Miller Memorial Chapel

1120 West Goshen Ave, Visalia, CA 93291

Aug

2

Service

7:00 p.m.

Miller Memorial Chapel

1120 West Goshen Ave, Visalia, CA 93291

Aug

3

Funeral service

10:00 a.m.

St. Mary Armenian Church

Yettem, CA

Funeral services provided by:

Miller Memorial Chapel

1120 West Goshen Ave, Visalia, CA 93291

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