BY ARSHO ZAKARIAN
A life of more than 60 years dedicated to volunteering cannot be summed up in just a page or two. Jirayr, Sona, and their toddler, Chris, arrived in Canada in the dead of winter in 1966, facing a snowstorm. Yet, that did not deter them from building a new life. They moved to Toronto in 1968, where their second child, Salpi, was born.
Born in Aleppo, Syria, Jirayr was the son of Krikor and Baydzar, both survivors of the Armenian Genocide. His father passed away when he was still a baby, and he learned early on to be independent, cheerful, and practical. He later worked as a mechanic for the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).
Together with his wife, Sona, he was deeply involved in the life and progress of the Armenian community. Along with friends, he helped establish the Hamazkayin chapter in Toronto in 1969 and remained an active member until the very end.
Even when his health prevented him from attending events in person, he remained engaged and interested in every aspect of community life. He also contributed to the establishment of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church and served on the board of directors when the new Armenian Community Centre of Toronto (ACC) was built in 1979.
Jirayr was known for his sharp sense of humour, storytelling abilities, and natural talent for writing and reciting poetry. A passionate amateur actor, he performed in all the major plays produced by Hamazkayin in its early years. He was also a longtime member of Hamazkayin’s Kousan Choir.
As a grandfather, he was devoted to Mia and Eena. Mia described her grandparents as: “…an incredible team. A power couple—both intelligent and poetic, strong personalities, performers, very much in love until the end—teaching us how to be the best offspring, partners, siblings, and friends we could be.”
Eena considered herself fortunate, saying: “I got 21 years with my dede, filled with laughter, opera singing, dancing, playing dress-up, and so many more happy memories.”
His adult children, Chris and Salpi, along with their spouses, Christine and Torsten, spoke of their father with deep reverence and admiration.
During his funeral, touching commemorative eulogies were delivered by Hamazkayin Central Committee member Tamar Donabedian Kuzuyan and ARF Soghomon Tehlirian Chapter’s Executive Secretary, Sevan Haji-Artinian.
The parish priest of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, Very Rev. Datev Mikayelian, read a letter Jirayr had written in response to the church’s invitation to an “intimate gathering” marking its 40th anniversary. His letter reflected his unwavering love for the church and the community he cherished.
On his casket lay two flags—those of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation and the Hamazkayin Central Armenian Educational and Cultural Society. He had earned both. His contributions to these organizations, as well as to the establishment of St. Mary Armenian Church, were significant.
The flags were symbolic victory wreaths, honoring a generation of brave men and women who built this community. Their greatest satisfaction has been witnessing a new generation take up the commitment and responsibility of not only preserving these organizations but ensuring they continue to thrive.
As we bid farewell to our beloved Jirayr, we say without hesitation: Your memory will remain with us, your lively spirit will inspire us, and your stories will be retold at our gatherings.
Till we meet again… ֎
EDITOR’S NOTE: The preceding tribute to the late Jirayr Ohanessian was first published in the February edition of Torontohye.
