This log a tribute to someone who I consider a friend and a role model. I will miss you Razmik.
Razmik Hekimian, father of two, loving husband, and a self made philanthropist with an abundant love for people and culture. Montreal Armenians and non-Armenians for that matter, mourn the passing away of this charismatic and humble visionary. Razmik was very involved in community life. He was at a point where he would fund and support cultural initiatives on his own. He was president of the Canadian Armenian Business Council. He was also one of the founders of AIM magazine. His printing company (Imprimerie AAA) would do all the printing. He was an instrumental component of having Montreal and Yerevan become sister cities. Through this he was spearheading a modern yet affordable housing project in Armenia.
I never saw Razmik without a smile. He was soft spoken and friendly. He was very accessible to young talent and encouraged many to find their fame. His office was practically an Art Gallery.
The funeral ceremony was held on Monday at the Armenian Church. It was like a movie. Hundreds of people from all generations, from different Armenian community organisation were gathered at Noon Monday to bid their final good-byes to a dear friend and a cherished community member. Not one word could be heard from the crowd. Some of the words of the Srpazan Derderian still echo in my head: “Razmik didn’t waste a minute. He took control of life and wanted to live every moment with his family, friends and people in general.” Representatives of both churches were there as well as his classmate who is now the Badveli of the Armenian Protestant Church. He told us how he had just met with Razmik 2 days ago and how Razmik had talked about his future plans and how he would work for another 2 years and then devote himself to cultural life. What he didn’t know was that he only had 2 more days left and not 2 years.
It was, and still is for me a very emotional experience. Although I knew Razmik through committee work, I was starting to get to know him on a personal level. What hurts more is how he died.
Razmik was electrocuted by a high voltage printing machine last Friday while changing a bulb. He was 47.
My prayers are with you Razmik.
I will not log about anything else today. Although this is very sad news, I think Razmik deserves a log (and even more) all to his own
Razmik Hekimian, father of two, loving husband, and a self made philanthropist with an abundant love for people and culture. Montreal Armenians and non-Armenians for that matter, mourn the passing away of this charismatic and humble visionary. Razmik was very involved in community life. He was at a point where he would fund and support cultural initiatives on his own. He was president of the Canadian Armenian Business Council. He was also one of the founders of AIM magazine. His printing company (Imprimerie AAA) would do all the printing. He was an instrumental component of having Montreal and Yerevan become sister cities. Through this he was spearheading a modern yet affordable housing project in Armenia.
I never saw Razmik without a smile. He was soft spoken and friendly. He was very accessible to young talent and encouraged many to find their fame. His office was practically an Art Gallery.
The funeral ceremony was held on Monday at the Armenian Church. It was like a movie. Hundreds of people from all generations, from different Armenian community organisation were gathered at Noon Monday to bid their final good-byes to a dear friend and a cherished community member. Not one word could be heard from the crowd. Some of the words of the Srpazan Derderian still echo in my head: “Razmik didn’t waste a minute. He took control of life and wanted to live every moment with his family, friends and people in general.” Representatives of both churches were there as well as his classmate who is now the Badveli of the Armenian Protestant Church. He told us how he had just met with Razmik 2 days ago and how Razmik had talked about his future plans and how he would work for another 2 years and then devote himself to cultural life. What he didn’t know was that he only had 2 more days left and not 2 years.
It was, and still is for me a very emotional experience. Although I knew Razmik through committee work, I was starting to get to know him on a personal level. What hurts more is how he died.
Razmik was electrocuted by a high voltage printing machine last Friday while changing a bulb. He was 47.
My prayers are with you Razmik.
I will not log about anything else today. Although this is very sad news, I think Razmik deserves a log (and even more) all to his own
posted by Raffi N at 11:53 PM
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