George Gazmararian
Kevork “George” Gazmararian passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at Provision Living in East Lansing, Michigan at the age of 93. He lived a long and healthy life, with many “bonus days” as he put it. He was an adored husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and a cherished college Professor who mentored hundreds of students and treasured his relationships with his colleagues.
George was born on October 28, 1930, and grew up in Jerusalem. He came to the United States in 1951 to pursue his college education and completed his undergraduate studies at Warren Wilson College and University of Detroit, MBA degree at the University of Detroit, and doctoral studies at Michigan State University. He taught at Michigan State University and Elmhurst College before moving to Alma, Michigan, where he taught at Alma College from 1966 to 1996. While at Alma College, he was Chairman of the Business Administration Department and director of the International Business Administration program. He developed and led study abroad programs in Europe and Australia and was the recipient of many outstanding teacher awards. Upon retirement, his former students established an endowed chair in his honor. He was also active in the local Alma community.
George had a kind soul and generous heart for everyone he met. He loved animals and nature, with a particular affection for penguins, and enjoyed watching the deer and ducks at his home in East Lansing. He was an avid collector of stamps and coins as well as DVDs (even after they became obsolete). For a 20-year period, he published an annual “Christmas list” (Gaz’s list) of securities of future growth companies that he shared with his students, family and friends. He was proud of the 19.8% average return of his list and considered it a gift he could share with others.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth; his son Michael and wife Julie; his daughter Julie and husband Paul; his four grandchildren Allie, Anna, Alexander and Isaac; three great-grandchildren Hayden, Luke and Ezra; and brother Ohan and wife Hannah. They will miss him greatly.
The funeral service will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John Armenian Church in Southfield, Michigan, or to CorsoCare Hospice, in memory of George Gazmararian.
26 Messages to “George Gazmararian”
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Helen Knar Cirrito
December 1, 2023 at 9:43 amDear Ruth and entire Gazmararian Family,
We are saddened by the passing of your dear George. He always had a smile on his face and was so pleasant to talk to. Your loss is great – may God give you strength and comfort at this difficult time. Our sincerest sympathies,
Love,
Helen Knar and Mike Cirrito
George Arakelian
East Lansing, Michigan
Mary Liechty
December 3, 2023 at 8:01 amGeorge was the kindest man. He always had a smile and always enjoyed seeing my dog, Miss Casey. He will be missed in the neighborhood.
Mike & Nancy Bobinski
December 3, 2023 at 1:01 pmWe always loved seeing George as he went for his walks in the neighborhood. He was so kind. He will be missed. God bless his dear soul.
Pat Munshaw
December 3, 2023 at 10:03 pmTo Ruth, Michael and Julie.
All I could think of after reading the narrative of George’s story is “a life well lived”.
My wish for you is all the happy, loving memories your time with him can recall. It was your good fortune to have shared it with him. May he rest in peace.
With warm regards,
Pat Munshaw
Diane Keurajian
December 3, 2023 at 10:12 pmUncle George had an Infectious Smile and a Heart of Gold. He will be Dearly missed by many! My brother Gary adored Uncle George and was fortunate to develop a close realtionship with his Uncle when Gary played football at Alma College. Aunt Ruthie and Family …you are all in my prayers. Love, Diane
Michael Zaroukian
December 4, 2023 at 9:26 amSincere condolences on your loss. It was my honor and privilege to be there for George and Ruth over the years. As Julie knows and won’t be surprised, we runners process our grief in part by completing a marathon in honor and memory of someone dear to us that we have lost. I’m saving my 2025 Boston Marathon run to honor George’s memory. Peace to you all.
Bob and Julie Gigliotti ‘70 ‘72 Alma grads
December 4, 2023 at 5:01 pmI’ve known Gaz since 1966 the year I started at Alma College and the year he started there. Many memories at Alma like drinking screwdrivers on senior trip to Chicago to losing money on a Gaz recommended stock. It went bankrupt we still laugh today about it. George always stayed in touch and I enjoyed our many dinners together. He and Ruth were always delightful and Julie and I loved seeing them. I was in taxes and did Gaz’s taxes for 30 years until he died . I loved seeing what he bought and sold. We so will miss him and his monthly calls to just check in
Jeff Barker '70 Alma Grad
December 4, 2023 at 7:53 pmI was on that Chicago trip with Gig, I’m happy we returned home in one piece and didn’t cause any trouble for Gaz. I think he was panicking the whole time! It’s a good thing we ran out of screwdrivers.
Ohan Gazmararian
December 5, 2023 at 6:43 amThe passing away of my dear brother George has filled me and Hanna with deep sorrow, all the more so having lived for so long far from each other. We shall always cherish the times we spent together during our visites, later with our brother Levon and Ashken on the occasion of Michelles wedding and our visite to Jordan. ( First time we 3 brothers were together since I left the USA.)
George was a wonderful person, kind and caring and with a good sence of humor. I shall always miss him.
May he rest in peace.
Murray Borrello
December 5, 2023 at 11:04 amRuth, Dianne and I send our love and sympathy. We hold you and your family in our prayers. We will always remember those Sunday brunches and special dinners at “The Embers” as well as George’s retirement party – none like it! He was so loved by his students and by one young faculty member who was just starting out at Alma College – and who spent a lot of time talking to George about “things” – including life, teaching, and the politics of college teaching. He was so kind to me, and inspiring. He lives on through his students and through all of us who had the privilege and honor to work with him!
Elizabeth Cameron
December 5, 2023 at 11:20 amRuth, Michael, and Julie, and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Gaz was a special person. Michael and I enjoyed many great events and meals with you and George. He hired me into Alma College and mentored me along the way. He always enjoyed talking to me at work about his wife and children, you all meant the world to him. He will be missed. Sending our love, support, and prayers.
Elizabeth Parkinson '84 Alma Grad
December 5, 2023 at 11:33 amGazzy was one of a kind. As his TA for three years, I had the pleasure of being both a student as well as seeing him in a relaxed and casual setting. He was kind, empathetic and cared deeply about his students and teaching. He was very proud of his annual stock pick list and also of his efficient laminated teaching curriculum. I learned a great deal from Gaz and his impact continues through us all.
Gary Fenchuk
December 5, 2023 at 1:43 pmWhere does one begin? We could literally write an entire book about the hundreds of life stories where Gaz so profoundly impacted the destinies and outcomes of his devoted students. I would dub us as Gaz’ gang. Due to George’s mentoring, inspiration, guidance and teaching we went out into the world with a spirit and certifiable advantage to make the best of ourselves and the world.
Gaz was one of a kind: that rare teacher who truly changes your life. And appropriately, I told him umpteen times that he was my hero and that I owed everything to him. In his humble manner he dismissed all such praise…but it’s the truth!
One of my great treasures and pleasures in life was becoming a lifelong friend with George – and traveling from Virginia every year to have dinner with him and Ruth (and the Sextons).
George was such a good soul and a consummate role model for all of us. The world has suffered a loss with his departure. But as it’s said “legends never die”. George will continue to live on through not only his kids, grandkids and great grandkids, but through all of us students and our kids and grandkids.
While tears will inevitably flow, we should celebrate such an utterly remarkable and exemplary life.
R.I.P., my dear friend.
Doug Scripps
December 5, 2023 at 3:42 pmI’m fortunate to have known such a wise and wonderful man.
Melissa Strait
December 5, 2023 at 5:58 pmI am sorry to read of the passing of George. He was a wonderful colleague and a prime example of the liberally educated professor. How many people can have memories of the chemistry professor and the business professor collaborating with dance students in a number for Carol Fike for Orchesis. I always enjoyed our conversations at the lunch table because of the international flavor he brought to stories – I especially liked the one about the cat.
The world is a better place because of him and we will all have many fond memories of his time at Alma College..
Elizabeth Molesky
December 5, 2023 at 8:07 pmDear Ruth, Michael, Julie, and family,
Gaz was a special person. He hired me into the business department many years ago. He was a great mentor and colleague. My husband, Michael, and I remember many dinners at the family home. He especially enjoyed talking about his lovely wife and children. Later he would talk about my kids and his grandkids and what they all enjoyed. He loved his family dearly and it showed at work by his many stories. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.
James McIntyre
December 5, 2023 at 9:38 pmSo. Sorry , George endured being my advisor my last two years at Alma.
Gaz and Ruth are the nicest folks I have ever known.
He made Alma College and our students so much better .
My heart and prayers go out to Ruth and family.
James mcintyre 1969
Steve Boff, Alma Student ‘81
December 6, 2023 at 8:19 amGazzy, as we affectionately called him, was my mentor at Alma. He put the passion in me to be a better student, a better person, and to pursue my dreams. He guided me through my efforts to pursue a career in the Investment Industry. After 41 years, I’m still working in Investments, thanks to that spark that Gazzy ignited in me back at Alma. My fondest memories of Gazzy were when we would fight over the only copy of Barron’s in the Alma Library. He would always win the battle and he would always laugh as he walked away victorious with his reading material in hand. I loved his knowledge of investing, his humor, and his love for his students. There is a lot of Gazzy in who I am professionally, and for that I will always be grateful. Rest in Peace Gazzy.
With a heavy heart,
“Boff”—he always called us students by our last names.
Jessica Garry
December 6, 2023 at 9:08 amDear Aunt Ruthie and Family,
I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Uncle George. I have many special and fond memories with him – he was such a warm, jovial person. I am extremely grateful for the all of the wonderful memories that I have with him during my time in East Lansing while in undergrad at MSU; all of the delicious Sunday meals and exciting conversations together. I was very thankful to have family nearby and both Uncle George and Aunt Ruthie made my time during college so special. We will miss you Uncle George! God Bless you and may you rest in peace.
Love,
Jessica
Chelsey Foster ‘06
December 6, 2023 at 6:57 pmSo sorry to the family for your loss. I never got to meet George, but I am forever grateful for the spring term scholarship (named after him) that allowed me, a country kid from Edmore, to have my first international experience — nearly month in Argentina. I only wish I had been able to have him as a professor. My understanding is he was nothing short of legendary.
Laura Asiala
December 6, 2023 at 7:57 pmSo very sorry to see this. My deepest sympathy.
Julie Pendell Alma ‘87
December 9, 2023 at 8:19 amLike many at Alma, I was blessed to have had Gaz for several classes, including our Brussels trip. He was kind, calm, smart and so much fun. Most importantly he helped me have confidence in myself – what a gift. He gave that gift to legions of students who all adored him. My deepest sympathies to your family on the loss of this special man.
Sue Deel
December 12, 2023 at 10:02 amDear Ruth, Mike, and Julie,
My heart is heavy with George’s passing. I remember him from when we were kids and growing up. Then, as an adult and temporary worker at the city, George came in one day to see Ruth and told me about an opening at Alma College. He encouraged me several times to apply. I did and that application (thanks to George) turned into a 35-year career there! As you know, he touched the lives of so many and we are all better for it. My prayers are with you all.
Sue (Gibbs) Deel
Sheila Collins
December 16, 2023 at 6:28 pmI loved spending time with George the moment I joined the Alma College staff. We would meet in the Union for a bagel and I always made him laugh when I flipped my hair. He was so incredibly special. My heart goes out to Ruby and his beloved family.
My heart breaks..
Michael Oelz ‘70
January 24, 2024 at 1:03 pmAfter reading numerous comments about Gaz, I’m sorry I never took a class of his at Alma. Having been on the campus at Warren Wilson College I understand where he acquired his down to earth spirit.
Tony Pizzi ‘75
June 8, 2024 at 9:39 amI’m so very sorry to learn of the passing of George Gazmararian. He was my academic advisor while I was at Alma College from 1971-75. I did not interact with him as much as I should have. In retrospect, that’s my great loss, because I missed a great opportunity to learn even more from someone of exceptional ability, and exceptional integrity.
I remember him most from his class on investing, from which I learned the principle of self-sufficiency and how to assess the future prospects of companies. He also inspired my entrepreneurial bent. I wish I’d have taken greater care to let him know that his inspiration was a big factor in my life.
I’m very gratified that he enjoyed a long and happy life after Alma, as well. He also treated his students as family, and I will be forever grateful for the influence he had on who I am.