By Harry Derderian
(From The Armenian Weekly AYF Olympics Insert)
Every community has a family or two that generation after generation passes down a spirit of nationalism and community involvement. In Chicago—“She-ka-go” for some—one such family is the Killian family.
It all started with Dr. Arshag Killian, patriarch of a family whose son Ara and grandsons Ari, Armen, and Raffi followed in enthusiastic tradition. Dr. Killian was a true nationalist like many in his generation who came to this country, established families, and started the development of Armenian communities wherever they lived.
Dr. Killian, with General Nejdeh, who also was his patient, founded the Chicago ARF “Tseghagrons” in 1933, the precursor to the AYF.
Dr. Killian’s son Ara was a devoted member of the Chicago community and served as a longtime ARF member, including in the Gomideh, as a church delegate, and as a member of the church building committee. Ara was the epitome of a volunteer. No matter what needed to be done, he was there. His sense of spirit started during his AYF days when he dominated Olympic swimming events and was chosen Olympic King, along with his father (posthumously), in Chicago’s first Olympics as host in 1991. An engineer, he was a “quiet hero” who filled a local need when he saw it, including many years as a coach for the AYF senior Olympics team.
The family’s matriarch, Arpy Killian, has been the consummate Armenian mom and now a beaming grandmother to Aline. Dedicated to her family, she has supported Ara’s endeavors and the community, as well as the volunteer endeavors of her three sons. She’s contributed her own talents to the community as a member of the Church Ladies’ Guild, the local ARS “Zabelle” Chapter, and the Central Board of the ARS. Significantly, she also served the Taniel Varoujan Armenian School for 30 years, 15 years as a teacher followed by 15 years as the school principal.
Year after year, the Killian brothers were at AYF seminars, conventions, and Olympics no matter where these events were held. The familiar Killian smile—with a major dose of nationalism—has been known to so many.
Ari Killian, the oldest of Ara and Arpy’s sons, has been active for many years in the AYF, ARF, and ANC, having served on the AYF Central Executive, ARF Central Committee (currently in his third term), and ANC Eastern Region and National Boards of Directors. Ari also participated and medaled in the Olympics pentathlon and hurdle events. A construction engineer and real estate developer, he has always said that “you get back from an organization what you put into it.”
Ari married Providence’s Stephanie Mesrobian, herself part of an activist family, in 2010. Stephanie was a major volunteer force in Providence and continues her contributions to the community through the ANC and as chair of the ARS UN Committee. Their one-year-old daughter Aline was a center of attention at the recent Olympics.
Armen Killian also participated in the Olympics and, like his brothers, was a mainstay in Junior and Senior AYF activities. Armen, a manager of client services at Northern Trust Bank, was known for his strong performances in the 400 and as a key member of Chicago’s relay teams.
“This is all about family. The AYF family means a lot to us,” Armen said, as he was having lunch with longtime friends from many cities.
In Washington, D.C., Raffi Killian made his presence known at Olympics by winning the Alumni Mile, picking up where he left off after a productive AYF Olympic career, retiring with 78 points. His AYF career transitioned to the ARF and also included terms on the AYF’s Central Executive and the local Gomideh.
Raffi has been affiliated with the Chicago-based Heitman Corporation for many years. A global firm specializing in real estate management, he has held management positions in Germany and now London, traveling to some 10 European countries to execute his responsibilities as his firm continues its global growth. After six years overseas, Raffi will return to Chicago in December to the delight of his family and extended family of AYF friends.
“We may see long time friends only once a year, but we pick up like we had never been apart,” Raffi said.
The Killians of Chicago personify the meaning of the AYF spirit. And the Killian brothers carry on a spirited family tradition, to the pride of their late grandfather, their father, and their mother.
Guest Contributor
I do believe my family (dating back to my grandparents – Lucy and Hagop Karegian ) were patients of Dr. Killian, the likes of whom we have never seen since. It would have been nice to post his picture in this article for those of us who still remember what an incredible physician he was to the Armenian community back in the 1940’s and 50’s.
My colleague eng. Raffi Killian has helped AYF Khanasor London immensely as Varich Gazm member. I will miss him very much.
Where’s a photo? Dr.delivered Janice in 1947. At Lutheran General. Mother
Mary Shakeh. Father Samuel. Sam.