Eprim Ghahraman

EPRIM GHAHRAMAN NOV. 18, 1914 - NOV. 24, 2003

Eprim was born in Iran to father Ghahraman and mother Shirin Sarmas. Eprim was not as fortunate as some other children to spend much time with his father, who was killed in a local skirmish when Eprim was only two years old. Because of this, his mother Shirin moved back to her father's home where Eprim spent the rest of his childhood. He graduated from the American School in Rezayeieh in 1933.

He joined the Iranian oil company in August 1933 and held numerous executive positions including Head of Corporate Accounting. He ultimately was promoted to an executive vice president position before his retirement in 1974. During his 40-year tenure at the oil company, Eprim received many awards including a distinctive mark of recognition from the Shah of Iran.

During a choir practice as a member of his church youth group in Kermanshah, he met his soul mate, Mabel Shabaz. They were married in September of 1940 and lived together for the rest of his life.

Following Eprim's mother's death in 1977, he and Mabel immigrated to the United States in 1978 and settled in Modesto. While living there, he served as an elder of the St. John Assyrian Presbyterian Church in Turlock for many years. He also dedicated his efforts as the treasurer of the Assyrian American National Federation, and in 1991 received the Assyrian Man of the Year award for his service in that role.

In addition, he was an active member of the Assyrian American Civic Club of Turlock, where he received the 1998 Assyrian Man of the Year award for his years of service.

Eprim is survived by his wife Mabel, his sons Carlin, Edwin and David, his daughter Diana, his daughter-in-law Noeline, his son-in-law Simon and his granddaughters Helen, Lisa and Linda.

Eprim was a good son, husband, father and grandfather. He was trustworthy and his counsel was sought throughout his life. He faced life with optimism and found solutions in unity and progress. We will miss Eprim's bright eyes, smiling face, bear hugs and wisdom.

He will be greatly missed.

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