Donald Manoukian

Donald Manoukian

June 9, 1934

September 23, 2014

On June 9, 1934, Don Manoukian was born in Merced, California, to Hagop and Rose Manoukian. Don recently passed away in what he considered his true hometown of Reno, Nevada, with his family and loved ones at his side. Don's legendary physical and mental strength was forged at an early age by laboring alongside his siblings in the farms and fields of Livingston, California.

Don's family moved to Reno in 1951 and he enrolled in Reno High School as a junior. His physical prowess quickly paid dividends for Don and his RHS Huskie teammates. Don was a two time high school All-American in football, and shattered the Nevada State High School shot put record his junior year. Although there was no high school wrestling in the 1950's, Don competed in open division wrestling competitions throughout Nevada and California. In his senior year of high school he won the Far Western States Open Division Heavyweight Title, defeating all of his college- aged opponents. Don was also one of the first teens in the nation to break the 400 pound barrier in the bench press.

Don entered Stanford University in 1953, on an athletic scholarship. He majored in History and minored in Economics. During his years at Stanford, Don received numerous football, wrestling and weight lifting titles and accolades. His college football career was highlighted by his selection as the Outstanding Lineman in the 1957 end of the season East-West Shriner's College All Star game.

In 1960, Don became a member of the original Oakland Raider football team. Don, his roommate and dear friend Jim Otto and Wayne Hawkins became the first Raider All-Pro selections. Don was wooed away from professional football by the more lucrative business of professional wrestling. Don wrestled professionally all over the world with Japan, Hawaii and Texas territories being his favorite. Don wrestled professionally until 1967, and then focused on a Real Estate career in Northern Nevada. Don returned to his hometown with his first wife, Katy Manoukian, and raised their two children in Reno. Don was active in Real Estate and commercial development until his passing. Once asked about retirement, Don said, "I have been retired since I graduated from college. Life is as much fun as you allow it to be." Don enjoyed weight training, golfing, motorcycle touring, and spending time with his family, loved ones and many friends.

From doing the color commentary for the UNR Wolf Pack football games on radio, to emceeing Governor's Dinners and other benefit events, Don's sharp wit made him the "go to" speaker at local functions for the last four decades. Don was also on the Board of Directors for Summit Engineering, a rock and roll radio host in Hawaii, a restaurant owner and most recently a vodka spirits distributor. In short, life was Don's hobby, and he took it very seriously.

Don is survived by his son Dirk (Molly) and grandchildren, Jack and Kate. He is also survived by his step daughter Stacie (Lon) Coates, and grandchildren, Bennett, Caroline and Rennick and step son Robert Rodrigues, his sister Jackie Powers, his brother Judge Noel (Louise) Manoukian, his sister-in-law Lorraine Manoukian, his nephews, Craig (Elaine) Manoukian, Dr. Paul (Becky) Manoukian, Scott (Gail) Manoukian, Marko (Linda) Manoukian, and his nieces, Corinne Powers and Jacquie Manoukian. Don also leaves behind his loving companion of many years Mary Coffman and her children Mary Beth (Bryan) and Christy (Tim) and Andy. Don was preceded in death by his parents, son John Peter Manoukian, wife Carol Manoukian, brother Milton Manoukian, sister Joan "Jody" Woodin, brother-in-law Roy Powers and nephews Alan Powers and Joey Manoukian.

A memorial service for Manouk will be held Tuesday, September 30 at 1:00pm, at the Silver Legacy.