Harvey Stepanian
August 28, 1929 - January 22, 2022
Selma, California - Harvey Harry Stepanian was born in Selma, California on August 28, 1929, in his parents' home. He passed away unexpectedly and peacefully at his home on January 22, 2022, at the age of 92.
Harvey had three sisters: Sue, Mary, and Barbara. The four of them were raised on their family farm in Selma by their parents Harout and Varken Stepanian, who migrated to the United States from Armenia.
Harvey attended Selma schools all his life and graduated from Selma High School in 1947. After high school, Harvey went to college for a short while until he joined the Army in 1950. He served in the Korean War for two years as the agricultural meat inspector. He was honored to be given this position because of his passion for farming and knowledge of agriculture.
After serving in the Army, Harvey purchased his first ranch in 1954 in Laton, California where he farmed raisins. In 1959, Harvey became involved with the California Young Farmers Association. He took pride in receiving their award for the highest individual young farmer in the State of California that same year.
In 1964, Harvey met a young lady from San Jose named Marian Yeram. In October of the following year, they got married and moved into the house on his ranch in Laton. Shortly after, in July of 1966 their first-born son Harry arrived. Eight years later they were blessed with the unexpected arrival of their second son, Jeffrey. Over the years, Harvey purchased more land in Selma and in 1979 he and Marian built their dream home on their Selma ranch.
When he wasn't busy farming and spending time with his family, Harvey enjoyed serving God. He was a long-time member of St. Gregory Armenian Church in Fowler. Harvey was involved in the men's forum, parish council, and always helped any way he could at various church events, festivities, and fundraisers.
He successfully owned and operated Stepanian Farms for almost 65 years while remaining a supportive husband and father. He got to see the Stepanian name live on in the early 2000s, when his three grandchildren, Shayla, Sloan and Spencer, were born.
In the later years of Harvey's life, he stayed busy driving around checking on his ranches and swinging by Caruthers Raisin Packing Company which he helped start and served as an owner and director for 37 years. He also loved watching his grandkids grow up, taking his daily nap after eating lunch and going thru the mail, and playing cards with Marian and their many friends.
In October of 2016, after 51 years of marriage, Marian passed away. Harvey found ways to fill the void left by his loving wife. He enjoyed having his family nearby and would either go next door to their house or they would come by his house to entertain him. He also enjoyed his weekly lunches going out with his friends.
Harvey is survived by his baby sister Barbara Stepanian, his sons Jeffrey and Harry, daughter-in-law Pam, grandchildren Shayla, Sloan, and Spencer, and his nephews and their families.
Visitation will be held at Yost & Webb Funeral Home in Fresno on Thursday, February 3, 2022 from 5:00-7:00pm. Services will be held at St. Gregory Armenian Church in Fowler on Friday, February 4, 2022 at 10:30am. Following a graveside service, at Fowler Cemetery, there will be a memorial luncheon at the church hall.
Donations may be made to St. Gregory Armenian Church or the donor's favorite charity.