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Sark Arslanian Obituary
St. George
Sark Arslanian, age 92, passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2016 at his home in St. George. He was born on February 4, 1924 in Fresno, California to Armenian immigrants, Kevork and Freida (Aposhian) Arslanian. He served as an XO in the Navy during World War II, mostly in the South Pacific. After returning home he married Verlyn Metcalf on June 21, 1946 in the Salt Lake City Temple.
He took his first job coaching football at Union High School in Roosevelt, Utah in 1954. That job launched a coaching career that did not end until he stopped actively coaching at age 90 and had been inducted into coaching halls of fame at every level. His coaching career led him to Dixie College (1955-65) Weber State (1965-73), Colorado State (1973-82) and around the world to Italy, Japan, and Armenia (1989-1995). He then retired to his beloved St. George where he resumed coaching, first at Pine View High School and then nearly a decade coaching youth football in the Pine View and Desert Hills districts until finally hanging up his whistle in 2014. During his career, he coached three generations of his own posterity—a son, a grandson, and a great-grandson.
Along the way, Coach Sark left an indelible impact on the lives of countless young men and was always more interested in their success in life than any win loss record could measure. Coach Sark left his mark in this world, but his greatest contribution is the legacy of a strong family that will continue to change the world for generations.
Coach Sark was preceded in death by his wife Verlyn, and is survived by his wife Barbara Watson, his six children Sandra, Dave (Pat), Paul (Julie), James (Stephanie), Robyn Woods (Gene-deceased), and Shanan, 15 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.
Viewings will be held on Friday, Dec 16 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George, and Saturday, Dec 17 from 12:00-1:30 p.m. at the Bloomington Hills Stake Center, 1130 E. Brigham Rd, St. George, prior to funeral services at 2:00 p.m. An additional viewing to be held on Monday, Dec 19 from 9:30-10:30 am at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park (3401 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City). Burial at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Dixie State University Football Program in the name of Sark Arslanian.
Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, (435) 673-2454. Friends and family are invited to sign Sark's guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sark Arslanian
Sponsored by Spilsbury Mortuary - St. George.
Liesa Swejkoski
December 25, 2016
Dear Robyn, Dave, Jim, Shanan, Paul and Sandra, I know that during this Christmas season, emotions are even more tender as each of us miss our departed family members.( I miss my parents, too.) I pray that you will all have strength and remember the happy times. Know that as the months and years go by, that the grief will be replaced by joyful memories; first, a trickle and then one day, a flood of laughter at the experiences that you'll remember. I had the privilege of knowing your father, but only for a brief time. Just from interacting with your family, I see that he raised a successful "team" in you and your siblings. He was a real cowboy coach - the John Wayne of sports. I bet he is having one heck of a scrimmage in Heaven.
Joan Harry
December 20, 2016
Our love to all of Sarks family!! He is a larger than life man who was always kind to us! Ron & Joan Harry
Bill Barton
December 18, 2016
Sark Arslanian is truly a legend. He made his life very worthwhile and full of accomplishments. I didn't get to know him very well until the past ten years or so. My two older brothers (half), who were cousins to Sark, were very close to him throughout their lives and spoke of him often. It wasn't until after their deaths that I really became acquainted with Sark and his family and found they are great people.
Our trips to St. George would usually include a visit and lunch with Sark and other members of his family, sometimes with Barbara, who we grew very fond of during this time.
We are surely going to miss Sark but surely not as much as you, his family, but I want you to know that we genuinely share your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.
Ronald Hatch
December 18, 2016
See you later my friend. Thank you for your friendship. Love the Ron Hatch Family.
Cindy Kennedy
December 16, 2016
Shanan, Jim, Robyn and family:. I was so sorry to hear about Sark. I worked for your Dad in Fort Collins from 1982 until I got married and moved to Kansas in 1989. I loved working for him and have so many fond memories!. He always treated me more like a daughter than an employee. He was loved and respected by many many people, including me. We moved one of our daughters to St. George in September and stoped in to tallk to Jim. We were going to try to work it out so I could see Sark again next time I came to town. I'm sorry I didn't get to see him again, but so glad I got to catch up with him through Jim. Praying for peace for your families in this difficult time. Cindy Ertle Kennedy
Larry Urry
December 15, 2016
Sandra: I am so sorry to hear abiout you father. He has been a hero of mine ever since he coached at Weber. You have been a hero to me ever since I was lucky enough to teach with you at Eastmont. I have enjoyed seeing you regularly at primary programs and know what a wonderful person you are. My prayers are with you at this hard time. Thanks for being a good friend.
Ken Shulsen
December 14, 2016
Thank you "Coach Sark" for allowing me to be a part of your incredible legacy. Your kindness shown to me and my family and the great example you have been will always be remembered. You made each of your "boys" feel wanted, needed and LOVE. Your legend will endure for generations. I love you Coach.
sherry Andersen
December 14, 2016
Although I only got a few chances to meet your dear papa, I am blessed to know many of his children and their families. What a wonderful man he must be to have such strong, loving and committed children. I know him through you and who you are. He has profoundly influenced his family. As a coach I know that influence has rippled out over many many other families. What a tremendous source of love and wisdom has left the world. May you all be comforted by the knowledge that he has gone back to a warm and happy homecoming. He has had a tremendous "season" and will now serve a heavenly community. My prayers are with each of you.
Much Love,
Sherry Andersen
Bob Jones
December 13, 2016
Next to my own father the most influential man in my life, time and again when life got tough I could stand back and find a better perspective something Coach Sark seemed to be so good at and it rubbed off on me. Coach also was the guy who taught Loyalty and Character. So thankful I spent four years learning from the BEST, God bless you Dave , Paul and the rest of the Family. sincerely. Bob Jones
Janet Marietta
December 13, 2016
What a blessing that you had your dad in your lives for such a long time. I hope my dear cousins find comfort in those years of grand memories with their dad. Much love and deepest sympathy.
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Memorial Events
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5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Spilsbury Mortuary - St. George110 South Bluff Street, Saint George, UT 84770
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