Hank Durand Saroyan

1947 - 2022

Hank Durand Saroyan
March 30, 1947 - September 23, 2022
Hank Durand Saroyan, Emmy Award-winning director/producer, lover of animals, his family, and many friends, passed away Friday, September 23 from complications associated with Multiple Myeloma Cancer. He was 75. Born in Alameda, California to Dorothy and Henry Saroyan, he attended Alameda High School, where he served as Student Body President. He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelors in Zoology, then decided to apply his wit, humor, writing skills, and creative talent to the entertainment business.
Hank began his career as a stunt writer on the "Anniversary Game", broadcast from KGO/ABC in San Francisco. He then secured a position on the creative team at Dick Clark Productions, writing, and producing. Hank next turned to animation, working for Hannah Barbera, and Marvel Productions, and won an Emmy for the "Muppet Babies." A notable achievement was his Emmy Award-winning directorial debut of "The Parsley Garden," a William Saroyan short story adapted by Hank for television (ABC). He was known for his creative talent and unabashed fun-loving approach to work and life. Hank had a passion for animals - he was an advocate, defender, and caregiver.
Hank married his college sweetheart Kathy in 1970, and together they had a son, Jason (1973). They later divorced in 1975. The last few years of Hank's journey were not all easy. But he always made his caregivers forget their problems and laugh out loud. He had endless stories to tell, was a master at embellishment, and was always able to resonate with any type of audience. He will be remembered by many for years to come.
Hank was preceded in death by his parents, his uncle and mentor, William Saroyan, and his sister, Margie. He is survived by his son, Jason Saroyan (& Valerie), grandsons William and Wyatt, and his nieces Penny and Linda (& Michael), his dogs "Winston" and "Bailey" and his cat "Liana."
In Hank's honor, please consider contributing to the SPCA (https://www.aspca.org/) and/or the Wealth Health Foundation (https://www.healthwellfoundation.org/).