“He was very, very proud of his Armenian heritage. He really was.” These were the first words that Marguerite (Aznavoorian) Hadjian told me, days after her husband’s funeral. Nazareth “Naz” Hadjian’s life was celebrated on April 10 in St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, where he had served as a member of the Board of Trustees, by Rev. Fr. Hrant Kevorkian.
The sanctuary that morning was full of Armenians and non-Hyes alike, there to pay their last respects to a man, his wife, and his family. It was clear that our AYF “Mourad-Zavarian” friend had established numerous, long-lasting friendships during his lifetime.
His casket was flanked by beautiful red roses in loving tribute to this son, husband, uncle, and brother-in-law. His death was unexpected, and the sorrow was written on the face of the mourners who approached the casket to say a final goodbye.
The Hadjians had recently returned from a Florida vacation when it happened. “Naz was reading a book with the TV on. I had just come home from walking our dog, Duncan. I called out, ‘I’m back,’ and went upstairs,” Marguerite told me. “When I came back downstairs, I found him on the floor and I called 911 immediately.” He had succumbed to a massive heart attack.
“It was a day like so many others. Almost every night we would be out to dinner with friends, or it we would meet for lunch. They would call and we would go.”
“He loved friends,” she continued. “My girlfriends enjoyed teasing him and he always enjoyed it. They all thought he was a great guy. They would come over to visit. Then we would decide we wanted a pizza. We would send him out to get it and he was happy to do it. He had an out-going nature.”
Naz and Marguerite met and fell in love as members of the Detroit Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) “Mourad-Zavarian” Chapter. “My father made me join,” she said. “I was 17, Naz was 19. Oh my goodness, I loved being in the AYF, going to all the conferences, conventions, and the Olympics.”
The blissful couple would have been wed 50 years this Sept. 12. They were happy years filled with really good memories. “We spent our days together running around. We had a lot of fun. He was my best friend.”
The couple lived in Dearborn Heights and were true animal lovers—dogs, especially, and later horses. Naz did not have a dog as a child, so after marriage husband and wife became dedicated pet owners. They were loving “parents” to all their dogs, including present family member Duncan and a Cockapoo.
Being responsible and caring pet owners says a great deal about one’s unselfish character. During the holidays, the Hadjian residence was an open house. Anyone that did not have somewhere to go was always invited to join in breaking bread with Naz and family.
Nazareth Hadjian was born in Greece to Anna and George Hadjian. The family moved to Detroit when he was eight. Naz graduated from Cass Technical High School with a concentration in commercial art. His careers included commercial art design and printing; for many years he was a self-employed printer. He was a member of the Detroit “Azadamard” Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF).
Together with Chuck Yessaian, Naz brought together baseball and basketball teams, combining Prelacy and Diocese youth in friendly competition, and setting somewhat of a historical precedent. He participated with the Orthodox Youth Athletic Association, where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame for baseball.
During Thursday Agoump kebab dinners, he and Marguerite could be seen dining and laughing, always surrounded by many friends.
In addition to baseball and hockey, Naz enjoyed classic movies and was a member of the Laurel and Hardy Club. He was an avid reader of history, especially World War II books. He was a trivia expert of 1950’s music and old movies, his favorite being “The Best Years of Our Lives.” It seems he made all his years the best. He knew how to squeeze the most out of life.
Above all, the man was passionate about going to the racetrack, which led to him owning several race horses. “When the Detroit Race Course, Ladbrook DRC, was replaced by a big box emporium, Naz had to fight the car’s steering wheel in mock anger,” Marguerite said.
Naz also started an annual tradition of hosting a men-only poker game the night before Thanksgiving, “lasting well into the following morning,” Marguerite said laughingly. Naz even became well known for his barbeque skills, taking time to marinate and prepare meat, making sure it was just perfect for guests to enjoy.
When he left the printing business, Nazareth became a popular blackjack dealer at Motor City Casino, keeping his audience entertained with jokes and stories. They loved his antics.
His lavish Hokeh Jash was attended by 130 people, and his friends gave heartfelt, affectionate tributes to the man they would miss so much. He was, as they say, one of the good guys. When you became a friend of Naz’s, you became family and were embraced for life. He was a loving husband, son to Anna Kololian, brother, uncle, godfather, brother-in-law, and friend. His generosity, love of life, and sense of humor will be missed by all.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Sarkis Armenian Church and the Michigan Humane Society.
Betty Apigian-Kessel
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