NEW YORK—Dr. Ara Caprielian didn’t have to mine for gold in the hills and streams of California to discover his richness.
He was born with it!
Those who knew him would tend to agree. He was the man behind the voice and it always came across strong and distinct.
Aboard the Armenian Heritage Cruise, his monologue was the first you would hear over the loud speaker, briefing guests about coming events and supplying his pearls of wisdom along the way. Unflappable and unwavering.
If the elocution didn’t draw you into the fold, his personality usually did. Always affable, approachable, and smiling. In most cases, he didn’t have to meet your acquaintance. He knew you by name, by face, and by distinction. Strangers were friends waiting to be met.
His death April 14 drew a pall of grief throughout the Armenian community. The 72-year-old was like the rest of the Armenian world—prepared to commemorate this Genocide Centennial.
His most recent article in the Armenian Weekly—“Thoughts as We Approach the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide,” published March 7—drew a marked impression with this writer. He spoke for all of us and to us all.
“It’s with great fondness and respect that we remember Ara as a devoted son of Armenia,” said two close friends, Harry and Margo Derderian, of Farmington, Mich. “In his quiet and unassuming manner, he was a devoted Armenian spirit whose concept of nationalism was his many years of dedication to Hai Tahd.”
“Ara provided awareness of our proud culture and the betterment of the Armenian community-at-large. His contribution to the community and Eastern Region will long be respected,” they added.
Harry went on to say what a cohesive force his comrade-in-arms was whenever there was ANCA work to be done.
“You could always count on him to take the initiative,” he said.
Another, Daniel Sagherian, didn’t know him personality, yet found some adequate words to describe him. Sagheran said he enjoyed reading Ara’s articles in the press, and used such adjectives as “realistic,” “pragmatic,” and “to-the-point thinker.”
In some ways, Ara could have been the model for Rodin’s “Thinker,” always in thought and meditation before forming his words. Analytic.
Together with wife, Arevik, they seemed the perfect march. Where you saw one, the other was sure to follow.
On this USS Love Boat, you’d usually catch both of them starting their day by teaching Armenian classes.
You’d find them giving enrichment lessons and anything else cultural. Many stayed aboard the vessel just to become better Armenians and not better scuba divers. The instruction was part of your package.
Year after year, day and week upon end, the Caprielians were into their labor of love, a mission that often brought its gratitude by hundreds who sailed the Caribbean seas.
You would find Ara over the years chairing up a Gomideh convention and using his parliamentary ways to restore some semblance of order. He knew the rules and employed them handily. When he spoke, people listened.
As a founding member of the New York Hamazkayin Chapter, he always put his best foot forward for the enhancement of our community. There were impediments on the road, obstacles to be overcome, but somehow this “road runner” found a way to elude them. An optimist always finds a way.
Our condolences go also to son Armen, who appeared a chip off his dad’s block.
Death is not the end of a good and humble Armenian—just the beginning. Legacies are based upon deed and accomplishments in our society. It’s up to those he loved and touched to continue his unwavering patriotism.
Only then will Dr. Ara Caprielian rest in peace.
Tom Vartabedian
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We are sad for Ara, life goes on and Ara’s mission has to be continued.
Above, Tom said:
“Death is not the end of a good and humble Armenian—just the beginning. Legacies are based upon deed and accomplishments in our society. It’s up to those he loved and touched to continue his unwavering patriotism.
Only then will Dr. Ara Caprielian rest in peace.”
Indeed, we must soldier on in the memory of Ara, Tom and others who, like them, dedicated their lives to our noble cause… continuing the tradition of living out our Armenian birthrights: sometimes a burden, certainly a duty and thankfully a joy.