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Barkev Bakamjian Obituary

BAKAMJIAN - Barkev Y., loving husband, father, and grandfather, a dedicated teacher, and an accomplished scientist, died Friday, April 25, 2008, at his Tulsa home in the company of family members who had supported him during his valiant battle against cancer. Barkev was born August 17, 1923, near Beirut, Lebanon, the youngest child of Yeghia and Santoukht Bakamjian, survivors of the Armenian Genocide in Turkey the previous decade. He attended an English missionary orphanage grammar school led by his father, who taught him to place high value on education. He moved on to a French secondary school before studying at the American University of Beirut, where he earned a bachelor's degree in physics in 1944 and a bachelor's degree in civil engineering in 1946. In September 1946, Barkev traveled by ship to the United States along with his older sister, Veronica, a doctor, starting a new life in a new country. He earned a master's degree in physics from Columbia University in 1947 and a doctorate in physics from Columbia in 1953. He and his Columbia faculty advisor, L.H. Thomas, published a paper in Physical Review in December 1953 titled "Relativistic Particle Dynamics. II" that has been cited in approximately 200 other articles. The more important December 1953 event for Barkev, however, was his wedding to Grace M. Norian. This was the start of a marriage remarkable for its tenderness and depth and a love that continues to grow. Barkev was an instructor or assistant professor of engineering or physics at several institutions during his first 15 years in the United States: New York Maritime College, the University of Oklahoma, the University of California at Berkeley, the University of Minnesota Duluth, Northeastern University, and finally at The Pennsylvania State University. His passion for teaching was expressed in many less formal settings after he left academics for a career in industry. Barkev worked at the Schlumberger-Doll Research Center in Ridgefield, CT, from 1961-72, guiding the mathematics department during most of his tenure there. After two years in research and development with Addressograph-Multigraph Corp. in the Cleveland, OH, area he returned to the petroleum industry, working as a geophysicist at the Amoco Research Center in Tulsa from 1974 until his retirement in 1992. He briefly served as a research associate at the University of Tulsa following his retirement from Amoco, and in 1994, he participated in a U.S. Department of Energy conference in Armenia focused on the newly independent former Soviet state's energy future. An amateur violinist, he shared a love of music with Grace, a pianist and piano teacher. They were active together in Tulsa's classical music scene for 30 years. While living in Pennsylvania and Connecticut, Barkev and Grace were industrious Unitarian-Universalists, playing instrumental roles in starting two UU fellowships. They have been active supporters of Armenian causes, especially education and relief efforts. Barkev's sister, Veronica Bakamjian, preceded him in death. Survivors include: Grace of the home; his brother, Dr. Vahram Bakamjian, and wife, Rose, of Port Washington, N.Y.; his 3 sons, Ted Bakamjian and wife, Emily Duensing, of Tulsa, Tim Bakamjian and wife, Ann Gaebe, of Tulsa, and David Bakamjian of Woodside, N.Y.; and 3 grandchildren, Josh Parish and fiancée, Taylor Painter-Wolfe, of Olympia, WA, and Allison Bakamjian and Jeff Bakamjian of Tulsa. Barkev will be remembered for his warm smile and generous spirit as well as for his intellect and professional accomplishments. A service celebrating his life is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Armenian Missionary Association of America, 31 W. Century Road, Paramus, N.J., 07652. Gifts in Barkev's honor will be directed to the AMAA's child sponsorship and education efforts. Barkev Y. Bakamjian VIEW AND SIGN THE ONLINE GUEST BOOK: www.legacy.com/tulsaworld
Published by Tulsa World on May 1, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

deanna walker

May 6, 2008

Dear wonderful Grace and family,
When I saw Barkev's picture after not seeing his face (or yours, sadly) for so many years, I was amazed at how his essence shined through and how I could completely feel who he was so easily just by seeing his smile. What a buoyant, gracious soul he was! Grace, I loved how he loved you and how his strength and dedication to you and your family were so obvious.
Oh, this makes me miss you both.
Much, much love,
Deanna

Janet Flynn

May 5, 2008

Dearest Grace and Bakamjian family,
Barkev was one of the kindest and most loving men I've ever known. The deep love and respect he had for you, his family, was true and was expressed in his every word and deed. What an honor and blessing it is to have known this exquisite man and to have experienced his precious presence. He is still with us in spirit - closer than ever before - and he lives always. His is a life both to emulate and to celebrate!
Love and peace to you,
Janet Flynn

Leon Thomsen

May 2, 2008

Dear Bakamjians,
Your are lucky to have had such a father as Barkev. He was a man of integrity and accomplishment, a man for younger colleagues to emulate. I feel privileged to have known him.

Larry Lines

May 1, 2008

Dear Bakamjian Family,
It is with sadness that I send deepest condolences to you on the passing of Dr. Barkev Bakamjian, who was a wonderful colleague to many of us at the Amoco Research Centre.

Ralph Wiley

May 1, 2008

Please accept my sincerest condolences. I worked with Barkev for several years at Amoco and felt his considerable talents were never fully utilized. Barkev was a kind and thoughtful gentleman and a pleasure to be around.

Bill Crawford

May 1, 2008

Mrs. Bakamjiam, Ted, Dave, Tim -

My heartfelt condolences on the passing of your husband and father. Dr. Bakamjian was a man of such great kindness and wisdom. I know why he and my dad became such great friends and why that friendship has lasted these years since my dad passed away.

I am sure that you are feeling a great loss. My heart goes out to you.

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