TOROS "Ted" TOROSIAN

Ted Toroslan, a local farmer, passed away peacefully at his home with his beloved family by his side. He was 89 years old. Ted was born in the Fresno area and his father Nazaret, and mother Ashken, were early Armenian immigrants to the San Joaquin Valley. His father, a colorful character in his own right, was a heavyweight wrestling champion, who was documented in several of William Saroyan's short stories. His mother passed away early in Ted's life, but was remembered for her dynamic persona and quick wit. Ted graduated from Sanger High, class of 1938, where he was a standout football player and track athlete. After high school Ted worked In various grape packing houses in Arvin and Sanger. Ted later went into farming where he grew grapes, figs, alfalfa, and raised cattle. Ted enjoyed attending all of his sons' high school, college, and pro football games across the country and, later in life, to his grandsons' high school and college games. His favorite teams were the Sanger Apaches, Clovis West Eagles, Fresno State Bulldogs and Cal Poly Mustangs. He also traveled across the hemisphere, from Alaska to Mexico, Hawaii to New York, and all places in-between. Ted was an avid duck hunter, and loved to spend time fishing with family and friends at Shaver and Huntington Lake. Ted was a master storyteller, loved to discuss current and historical events, and spent weekends with family and friends. The family would like to extend a special thank you to his longtime doctor and friend, Dr. Klaus Hoffmann, who looked after Ted for many years. Ted made friends wherever he went and had no regrets. His brothers Steve and Amos preceded him in death, Ted is survived by Rachel, his devoted wife of 61 years; his siblings, Margaret, John, Marion, Haig, Jane, and Leo; his six children, Atomic, Arlene Simpson, Max, Tara Soojian, Ted, and Christine Klistoff; ten grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a panoply of extended family and friends. A Visitation will be held at Serenity Funeral Services Chapel on Wednesday, August 18, 2010, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Graveside Service will be held at Sanger Cemetery on Thursday, August 19, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at Peoples Church on Thursday, August 19, 2010, at 2:30 p.m. Donations may be made in Ted's memory to donor's favorite charity. SERENITY FUNERAL SERVICES 5042 North Fresno Street Fresno, California (559)244-6330