Gary Charles Simonian Obituary

Born:     February 1, 1931                                               Deceased: February 22, 2022

Gary Charles Simonian was born on February 1, 1931 in Yettem, California, to Sam and Sarah Simonian. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine Simonian, who passed away in May, 2018.

Gary's family moved to Sanger, California before he started school.  He attended Highland School, a one-room schoolhouse, and graduated from Sanger High School in 1948 where he was on the track team. Gary attended Fresno State and graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business. After college Gary served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1955.

Following his military service Gary took more classes at Golden Gate University in San Francisco and passed the difficult CPA exam. He became a licensed Certified Public Accountant in October 1958. By the early 1960's he had established his own accounting practice in the Helm Building on the Fulton Mall. In the early 1980's he purchased an office building near the airport and continued his practice there until his retirement. Gary's accounting practice spanned over 50 years, serving many local individuals, businesses and charitable organizations.

On June 10, 1958, Gary married the love of his life, Elaine June Arootian.  They shared many happy years and memories together in their two homes on Armstrong Avenue. During their 50 years of marriage, Gary and Elaine were blessed with four children, Gregory, Sarah Lynne, Peter, and Matthew.  Gary was involved in the active lives of all four of his children, fostering their life-experiences outside of school, with art, music, foreign languages, ballet, horseback riding lessons, multiple athletic endeavors, and Boy Scouts.

He gave of his time to support the schools where his children attended by serving as Treasurer in multiple Parent Booster groups.  Gary and Elaine hosted many fund-raising events, such as gala wine-tasting at their home to support many of the Booster projects.  One of his greatest fund-raising legacies that resulted from these labors of love, was the new press box building for Sanger High School's Tom Flores Stadium, which was built in the early 1980's.  Gary was also very involved in his church, First Armenian Presbyterian Church of Fresno, serving as an Elder as well as Treasurer for the church and on various committees.

Gary was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He was a role-model who instilled the core values of faith in God and love of family with all four of his children.  Gary and Elaine were not only blessed with four children, but were also richly blessed with a wonderful son-in-law, Wayne, and three daughters-in-law, Jeanne, Patricia, and Valerie, 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Gary has completed his earthly journey and now is in his eternal home with his Heavenly Father, reunited with his Elaine, and other family members.  His love and legacy will always live on in our hearts, as a devoted husband and father, a conscientious businessman, a man who gave to others less fortunate, and the tall, handsome man with the dry sense of humor and mischievous smile.

Rest in Peace good and faithful servant of the Lord.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

A memorial service will be held to honor and celebrate Gary's life on Sunday, March 6, at 1:00 p.m. at the First Armenian Presbyterian Church, located at 430 First Street, Fresno, California, 93702.

Remembrances may be sent to the First Armenian Presbyterian Church or to the donor¹s favorite charity.