Ralph T. Boyajian, Sr. passed away peacefully at home on January 28, 2026.

Ralph was born on April 16, 1951, in Reedley, California, to Gregory and Zabelle (Apkarian) Boyajian, the youngest of three brothers. Growing up on the family farm, he developed a deep appreciation for the hardworking culture and rich scenery of the Central Valley. From a young age, Ralph cultivated a lasting fascination with industry, the outdoors, and – especially – trains. He attended Reedley High School, Class of 1969, where he excelled both academically and athletically, participating in football, baseball, and wrestling.

Ralph left Reedley to attend the University of California, Berkeley, where he graduated with honors, earning both his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Civil and Geotechnical Engineering. During this time, he also served honorably for six years in the U.S. Air Force Reserves and the California Air National Guard, receiving an honorable discharge.

He began his professional career in the Bay Area, working for the City and County of San Francisco in the San Francisco International Airport Engineering Department, and later for PG&E at the Geysers and Moss Landing Power Plants.

Eventually, Ralph returned to the Central Valley, where he met the love of his life, Mary (Kismetian), and they were married on June 5, 1982. Together, they built a life grounded in family, faith, and community.

Over the course of his distinguished 45-year career, Ralph served in roles including Principal Engineer, Office Manager, Vice President, and President at several respected private firms, a Fortune 500 company, and his own engineering firm. His work spanned civil, geotechnical, and environmental engineering, serving a wide range of public- and private-sector clients throughout California. He led large, high-impact environmental engineering initiatives focused on water and soil quality and contaminant cleanup across the San Joaquin Valley. Throughout his career, Ralph built meaningful, enduring relationships with colleagues and clients and had a lasting impact as a mentor, helping guide and develop the careers of many professional engineers.

Ralph's professional excellence was recognized many times, including being named Outstanding Civil Engineer by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) San Francisco Section. He also served as President and Director of the ASCE San Francisco Section and as a member of the California State University, Fresno Civil Engineering Department Advisory Council.

Giving back to others was deeply important to Ralph. He was passionate about supporting philanthropic projects in the Fresno community through Rotary and contributing to development projects in Armenia. Ralph was especially proud to serve as President of North Fresno Rotary in 2014 and cherished the relationships and impact he was able to make through the organization. As a member of the Knights of Vartan, he traveled to Armenia for the first time in 1998 as part of nonprofit service – an experience that meant a great deal to him and marked the first of three trips to the country.

A longtime member of St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church in Fowler, Ralph served faithfully on the Parish Council, as a Sunday School teacher, a church choir member, and on the Board of Directors of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church Summer Youth Camp. He played a meaningful role in helping select the camp's current location.

Ralph was a gentle soul and a kind-hearted man with a heart of gold. Family and friends often spoke of his warm smile and sparkling eyes. He was principled, humble, and quietly courageous. He was a devoted and hardworking husband, a deeply loved father, and a man who lived his life with faith, kindness, compassion, and respect. Ralph had a rare ability to build trust and lasting friendships with people from all walks of life.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Mary Boyajian; his son, Ralph Boyajian, Jr.; his daughter, Dr. Christine Boyajian, and her husband, Dr. Anu Gopalan; his brothers, Gregory Boyajian and his wife Kay, and Kenneth Boyajian and his wife Linda; his sisters- and brothers-in-law, Vicki Hokokian and her husband, Dr. John Hokokian, and Anton Kismetian and his wife, Maral Kismetian, all of Fresno; and many nieces and nephews. In his final years, his caregivers also became a beloved part of his extended family.

He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on through his family and the many lives he touched.

Service Information

Viewing and visitation will take place on Wednesday, February 11, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Yost & Webb Funeral Home in Fresno.

Funeral services will be held at St. Paul Armenian Church in Fresno on Thursday, February 12, at 10:00 a.m., followed by internment at Masis Ararat Armenian Cemetery and a memorial luncheon.

Donations

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ralph's memory to:

North Fresno Rotary Foundation

Memo: Armenia Projects

Donations may be made by check payable to:

Rotary Club of North Fresno

P.O. Box 26417

Fresno, CA 93729

Knights of Vartan

In memory of Ralph Boyajian, Sr. in memo
242 Warwick Avenue

Clovis, CA 93619

St. Gregory Armenian Church
P.O. Box 246

Fowler, CA 93625

St. Paul Armenian Church

3767 N. First Street

Fresno, CA 93726