By Armenag Topalian 30 December 2008
Atken enjoyed a rich education, starting in
By Armenag Topalian 30 December 2008
Atken enjoyed a rich education, starting in
He started work as an oil engineer in
When assessing the impact of Atken’s life, one thing is absolutely guaranteed. Attempts to list all his achievements is bound to be incomplete, and any analysis an underestimate of how he touched the lives of others. He committed a significant proportion of his own income on diverse community activities, and then devoted even greater effort and time to helping those in need.
From his school days, he discovered his love for his people, their culture, language, and subsequently the republic that was born from the collapse of the
His main area of activity was in education. As Dean of Extension Studies at the
Education was a broad palette for him. He devised with others the first set of new children’s books that broke the mould of the Soviet system of teaching. This extended to a book on standards and etiquette as society struggled with the transition from a planned totalitarian regime to the confusion of a market economy. His interests were wide: one of his last projects was to undertake the costs of publishing Ghevont Alishan’s book on pre-Christian religions and faiths in
His focus on young people was constant. Thanks to his publicity, the AGBU in
Even more importantly, he was keenly aware of the plight of the rural and small town poor. He often had to travel through various areas such as Lori province, and many witnessed him disbursing clothes and money to needy families that he had only just met, and to various orphanages. There were women who specifically knitted for him, including his aunt Hilda. He was instrumental in getting piped water supplies to three villages, Khatchig near the Nakhichevan border (and thereby retaining the precious water within
Because he was so effective in this philanthropy, individual and collective donors willingly sought him out and gave him money absolutely safe in the knowledge that it would always be put to good use. They knew he instinctively would go direct to find the source of greatest need and give the support needed without the unnecessary involvement of intermediaries or avoidable expenses. He had drive, common sense, strength in character and conviction. Yes, he was a character who could hold strong views, particularly with those who had an unrealistic vision of their importance, yet for many he was inspirational. He delivered reliably and delivered good outcomes. He had no desire to make a name for himself yet made a reputation of conviction, integrity, and for bounteous caring for his fellow men by willingly giving so much of himself.
What an extraordinary man! What shining light of a life! What a legacy that literally hundreds of people have had their lives improved, even transformed, by Atken! What an example for us all! And what a loss to all others who but for cruel fate would have benefited from his work!
Atken, we salute you.
3 comments
We will miss this wonderful
We will miss this wonderful man of intelect , humour , kindness and that smile on his face . he gave so much , never expecting any thing in return ,
I have known Atken since the days when he lived in Alberta , then we would meet in Toronto , discuss politics and religion .
Last 10 years I speant hours in his office at AUA in Yerevan , and when ever I needed a place to stay , I was always welcomed to stay at his house .
I will miss you my dear friend . you have many legacies.
With all my respect .
Vrejouhy
thank you Vrejouhi for a
thank you Vrejouhi for a wonderful tribute to our friend Atken. he was a rare human being and a great armenian. / ara
I met Atken in Cyberspace
I met Atken in Cyberspace, in the early 90’s, in a forum called Hayastan and Groong. I met him in person (with Hasmik) at our house in Ottawa in 1996, when he had asked me to prepare a program in Canada for a scholar from AUA. He was a “trail blazer” for all of us. He showed us the way. While we sat comfortably in Canada wondering what to do for Armenia, he moved there in the early dark years and helped. My wife and I will always remember him as a kind, generous, hospitable and jolly man. Atken loved to laugh, had a great sense of humour and had a great heart We fondly remember staying with him in their beautiful house in Yerevan, drinking the wines of their vineyards, visiting his varied projects all over Armenia, and yet, many of the achievements described by Mr. Topalian, I knew nothing about, and I won’t take more of your time listing the ones I know about. He acted in silence and never boasted. He was the true example of charity (don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing) He lives in our memory, through his family, his children and grand children If you allow me the intended pun: Atken was “the Armenian par excellence” A man who did not just make a difference! A man who helped build a better future for all of us.
Antoine and Sheila TERJANIAN, Ottawa
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