Dr. Hrair Atikian (1940-2014)
46 year Sherman Oaks Resident and Prominent North Hollywood Orthodontist
Dr. Hrair Atikian, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 in Burbank, CA due to complications caused by cancer. He was 74. Hrair Atikian was a resident of Sherman Oaks for 46 years, and a prominent orthodontist in North Hollywood for more than 35 years.
Hrair was born on February 25, 1940 in Kessab (Kasab), Syria, the youngest of eight children blessed to Hovhannes and Martha Abdulian. Two weeks after Hrair's birth, his biological mother passed away, whereupon Hrair was lovingly adopted by his maternal aunt, Efronia Atikian and her husband, Agop Atikian (a well-known chemist and schoolmaster) - whom he always warmly called "Mom and Dad." The family immigrated to the United States in 1954, settling in Boonton, New Jersey, where Hrair attended Boonton High School and graduated in 1958. Hrair then attended Cooper Union, where he studied mechanical engineering for two years. After witnessing a downturn in the engineering industry, Hrair redirected his academic focus and enrolled in New York University (NYU), graduating in 1962 with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Hrair moved to Boston, and from 1962-1966, Hrair attended Harvard School of Dental Medicine. He graduated from Harvard Dental School in 1966 with a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.
In June of 1966, Hrair married Martha Bilezikian of Newton, Massachusetts. They moved to Portland, Oregon where Hrair completed a post-doctorate program in Orthodontics at the University of Oregon Dental School. In 1968, shortly after moving to Studio City, California, Dr. Atikian opened up his own very successful orthodontics practice in North Hollywood, California. For 35 years, many local youth and adults received orthodontic treatment from Dr. Atikian. He practiced with honesty and integrity, with a conservative approach. Hrair was meticulous and dedicated in his practice of orthodontics.
In late 1970, Hrair and Martha purchased their home in Sherman Oaks, where Hrair resided up until his passing. Hrair and Martha had three daughters: Katherine ("Katie"), Caroline, and Alison - who brought Hrair much joy, love, and happiness.
In 1994 Hrair and Martha separated and later divorced. In 1996, Hrair married Mary (Ekmekji) Britton. They enjoyed nearly 18 years of marriage, which included travel to Kessab, Syria and other destinations. Mary lovingly cared for Hrair throughout his illness.
Dr. Atikian practiced orthodontics until late 2003, at which time he entered an early retirement and sold his practice in order to care for his 34-year old daughter, Katie, in the last months of her life as she courageously battled pancreatic cancer. The dedication, loyalty, diligence, and relentless sacrifice displayed at this time summarized Hrair's character absolutely. Hrair was calm, hard working, loving, kind, loyal, and honest to the core. He was intelligent, and had a quick and subtle wit.
Hrair was very active in the local community, dedicating time and resources to the Armenian community and several American charitable organizations. Hrair was involved with the Kessab Educational Association (KEA) since 1969, serving as Chairman three times, as well as Secretary and Treasurer. Hrair's other civic involvements included: the Kiwanis Club - North Hollywood Chapter from 1969-2010; the United Armenian Congregational Church Deacons' Committee for 11 years, where he served as Chairman for 2 years; and the Merdinian Armenian School for 12 years. Hrair's 12 years of service to the Merdinian Armenian School included 5 years as the Chairman.
An avid reader, Hrair enjoyed history, archaeology, and anthropology. Other hobbies included stamp and coin collecting, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and family - which in his own words were his "raison d'etre" or "reason for being."
Dr. Hrair Atikian is survived by his wife, Mary Atikian; his daughters, Caroline Atikian O'Malley and Alison Sykes; his grandchildren, Shannon Michelle O'Malley and Jack Ryan Kade O'Malley; his son-in-law, John O'Malley; his brothers, Misak, Daniel, and Vasken Abdulian, and their families; and his sister-in-laws, Joyce and Patsy Abdulian, and their families. Dr. Atikian was predeceased by his daughter, Katie.
A Memorial Service in Hrair Atikian's honor is scheduled at the United Armenian Congregational Church, 3480 Cahuenga Blvd. West, LA, CA 90068, on Saturday, September, 27th at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School (13330 Riverside Drive, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 - Memo Line: Hrair Atikian); or to the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) Kessab, Syria Fund (31 West Century Road, Paramus, New Jersey 07652 - Memo Line: Hrair Atikian).
This obituary was prepared by Hrair's daughters, Caroline O'Malley and Alison Sykes.
Hrair was all that and more. His brilliance and goodness were matched by his wife, Martha, which goes far in explaining the extraordinary daughters they parented. I remember the first time I met Hrair. I had escorted my sister, Martha, to an ISA mixer held at the abode of the International Students Association, a couple hundred yards from Harvard Square. I had driven the car up to the agreed upon pick-up spot and found my sister with Hrair whom she had just met at the dance. They were both excited. One could tell.
ReplyDeleteJames,
DeleteThank you for driving me to Harvard Square on that snowy Sunday afternoon, January 9, 1966 where I met my future husband of 29 years! Hrair and I were both graduate students at the time, completing our last semester of graduate work. I recall the moment we meet so very clearly . . . it seemed like yesterday. But to set the record straight, Hrair and I met at a Tea for Graduate Students in the Boston area which was hosted/sponsored by the Armenian Relief Society (ARS). Several weeks after we met, Hrair proposed and we married on June 4, 1966 at the Belmont Armenian Church.
That same year, when Hrair had been accepted into the post doctoral program at the University of Oregon in Portland, I was able to find a full-time teaching position, which fortunately paid for Hrair's tuition as well our room and board for the next two years.
Upon graduating with a specialty in Orthodontics, we moved our few belongings (wedding presents etc. which fit entirely in our automobile), to Southern California where Hrair set up his Orthodontic practice, where I assisted up until my first daughter, Katie, was 6 months old.
Several people have asked me where Katie was while I was working at Hrair's Office: Katie was with me, of course, resting quietly in her infant seat!
DeleteHrair was a very kind person who was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. He had a good heart, and was a wonderful, devoted, and dedicated father to our 3 beautiful daughters (Katie, Caroline, and Alison). Hrair will be missed.
ReplyDeleteHe was a wonderful and kind man and spent years in the Boston area training to be an orthodontist. Very involved in the Armenian Community, he was in all ways a good Armenian and a good man.
ReplyDelete