Garbis K Joulhayan's Obituary
Garbis K Joulhayan passed away in his home after a brief illness in the loving care of his son Kevork on August 2nd, 2023. Garbis was the youngest of 8 children born to Armenian Genocide survivors Kevork and Elizabeth Joulhayan on Jan 14, 1937, in Aleppo, Syria.
As a young man Garbis traveled extensively but was most proud that as an Armenian Orthodox Christian he was able to visit Jerusalem. It was during that trip he met his future mother-in-law. Garbis was fluent in Armenian, Arabic, Turkish, French, and the English languages.
In 1964 he married Khatounig Kirichikian and had 2 sons Manoug and Kevork in Aleppo, Syria. In 1970 they moved to Beirut, Lebanon where he and Khatounig along with his sister and brother-in-law, Rosine and Koko Nazarian opened a fruit and vegetable shop. During their time in Beirut the family survived a bomb that hit their home. Garbis was kidnapped along with several other people and was the only survivor. He was shot at by enemy sniper, but the bullets missed by mere inches.
In 1988 Garbis and Khatounig immigrated to the United States where their boys would follow 2 years later eventually settling In Sugarhouse, Utah.
Garbis worked for Mark Steel as a welder from the time he moved to the United States until his retirement approximately 2002. Garbis was a member of the Armenian Relief Society. He enjoyed going to Wendover with his friend Hagop Topdjian. He enjoyed playing backgammon and cards. He also played the flute.
His beloved wife Khatounig passed away in 2012. He took solace in being able to spend holidays and Barbequing with Kevork, Kandice and her children which became like family to him. He was like a proud great grandfather to Scott, Lilly and Dolores. He was very close to his beloved sister Leone Gulgulian and her family, the Ksajikian, Ouzounian and the Nazarian families.
He is survived by his sons Manoug (Houry) Joulhayan, Kevork (Kandice) Joulhayan, his grandchildren Julian, Nanar and Garo Joulhayan. His sister Mary, his brother and sister-in-law Krikor and Rosine Nazarian, and many nephews and nieces, his extended American family Nick (Chelsea) Swager, Erica Swager, Wyatt (Desiree) Barker, Scott, Lilly and Dolores.
He is proceeded in death by his wife Khatounig, his parents, his mother and father-in-law Bedros and Alice Kirichikian. His sister and brother in law Leone and Sarkis Gulgulian , additionally 3 other sisters and 2 brothers.
There will be a luncheon after the funeral and the details for the luncheon will be provided at the funeral.
The family would like to thank Garbis's hospice nurse Craig who cared for Garbis with great love and respect and the entire staff at Canyon Hospice who supported Garbis and his family throughout Garbis's last days.
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