Dr. Vahagn Agbabian (1927-2014)

Ultimate Armenian Patriot, Consummate Husband, Family Man, and Physician

This community is stunned by the recent loss of a true Armenian patriot, Dr. Vahagn Agbabian of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., who passed away suddenly at age 86.

Dan Gark services were held Friday evening, May 9, at St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, followed by funeral services there on Saturday morning, May 10. Officiating clergy was Rev. Fr. Hrant Kevorkian. Dr. and Mrs. Agbabian had been members of St. Sarkis Church for more than 50 years, and their children attended the Sunday School program.

Dr. Agbabian was the father of Vahan (Julie) Agbabian, Dr. Vartan Agbabian, Joanne Anahid (Glen) Black, and Aram Agbabian. He was the loving grandfather of Ani Elizabeth, Alexander Vahan, Loren Anahid, and Alexandra Tamar. He was the devoted son of the late Vagharsh (from Van) and Noemi (from Bardizag) Agbabian, and dearest brother of Suzanne (Edward) Derbabian. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Although born in America, the good doctor was a proud and devoted Vanetsi.

The sanctuary was filled with Armenians from throughout the community, as well as the doctor’s professional colleagues and adoring patients. The kindly physician was described as “ecumenical” by Rev. Dr. Vahan Tootikian, Pastor Emeritus of the local Armenian Congregational Church, whose Dan Gark service tribute to Dr. Agbabian was overwhelmingly sincere; had his words not been spoken in church, it would have deserved a round of applause. The Agbabians were remembered that day as generous givers to anything representing Armenia and Armenians.

Dr. Agbabian’s Hoke Jash had the elegant touch of the Agbabian family. Without exception, his adoring wife of 52 years, Mary Jo (Wonacott) Agbabian, made sure that every detail of the funeral was carried out with the love and care her husband demonstrated throughout his whole life. She is deservedly described as “More Armenian than most Armenians.” Together, husband and wife traveled several times to Armenia, Karabagh, Lebanon, and Syria.

His daughter, Joann Anahid Black, perhaps put it best when she said tearfully, “He always took care of the needs of others first, never himself.” That was a common thread describing Dr. Vahagn Agbabian by all who spoke about him over the two days, when the community came together to pay respect and tribute to the very quiet, always smiling gentleman.

Son Vahan said, “I think it will take the four of us to fulfill all that he did.”

One friend said, “He was one in a million or two.” Another said, “I have known and worked with the doctor for 43 years at Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital. All of us nurses loved him and his sweet smile. He loved his patients and would always listen to them. He was 20 years ahead of his time as far as his medicine went. Other doctors now agree with him.”

Dr. Agbabian was born in Detroit and attended Wayne State, where he received his B.S. in pharmacy in 1950. He then attended Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, and interned at the Detroit Osteopathic Hospital in Highland Park. He continued his education in Dayton, Ohio, at Grandview Hospital, graduating with a degree in internal medicine in 1960.

He was on staff as an internist at the Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital (POH) for more than 50 years. He practiced internal medicine, integrative and holistic medicine, and clinical nutrition in his private practice, in conjunction with his staff position at POH. He took part in continuing medical education in his field, allowing him to practice very progressively and effectively with his patients, combining a caring, compassionate, and loving approach. It was not unusual for him to phone patients at home to inquire about their care.

Dr. Agbabian loved to read everything in his field, and particularly anything Armenian. Husband and wife were always at Armenian lectures and book talks, where it was assured he would purchase the author’s book. He had one of the largest personal collections of Armenian books. He loved the church, Armenian food, history, literature, music, and dance. He was paid tribute by the Tekeyan and Hamazkayin Cultural Association.

His services started and ended with the “Hayr Mer” (The Lord’s Prayer). Rev. Dr. Kevorkian recited requiem prayers for his soul. Assisting Der Hayr were deacons Antranig Karadolian, Khatchig Kafafian, Manoug DerOvagimian, and Simon Javizian. Der Kevorkian intoned, “The dead in Christ will rise again. We believe Jesus died and rose again. Rest him among your saints.”

Dan Gark services were conducted in both English and Armenian. Rev. Dr. Vahan Tootikian said, “He was loved and respected and was a doctor to thousands in his years. Mary Jo, his non-Armenian wife, devoted herself to being a traditional Armenian wife. She was able to say from day one, your people will be my people. He loved with all his heart Armenia and Karabagh, so much that his house became like an Armenian museum with perfectly framed photos, paintings, and sculptors. May his memory be blessed.”

“We feel a deep sense of gratitude. We feel sorrow at the loss of a dear friend. As Christians, his life is not at an end. There is an opening of gates of eternity with the Lord and his departed loved ones. His was a life that enriched the life of many of us.”

Beside his casket were two large flags, that of Armenia and Karabagh, just as in his lovely home. Dr. Agbabian was repeatedly described as a staunch Armenian, a patriot, and a believer in the American way, a man with a pure heart who served as a model as what a genuine Armenian is.

A condolence letter from Antranig Kasbarian on behalf of the Hairenik and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Central Committee was read, saying the doctor was fiercely patriotic and a Tashnag through and through. Hokejash speakers included Hermine Manoogian, Jack Garboushian, David Terzibashian, Edward Haroutunian, niece Anahid Derbabian, Joann Anahid Black, and sons Vahan, Aram, and Vartan. They emphasized how important their father thought education was.

The doctor’s mission was to save lives, but the most touching tribute to the deceased was by his wife, Mary Jo, who told of his generosity to her and the family. In her strong voice, she expressed the kindness and character of her beloved husband. “What do we do now,” she asked. “His sudden death took the community by surprise. He was healthy and vibrant one moment and then gone.”

Memorial tributes are to either St. Sarkis Armenian Church or the Armenian Tree Project. Arrangements were in the care of Simon Javizian Funeral Directors. Internet condolences for the family can be e-mailed to Sjavizian@att.net.

It is with great sadness this column has been written in remembrance of Dr. Vahagn Agbabian, the quiet, smiling, kindly Armenian patriot and true Vanetsi. He was a humble man, unconcerned with money or fame

Those who worked with him or were his patients said: “We will miss this person who always personified caring and class”; “It was less like going to a doctor, and more like visiting a friend”; “I know he is being greeted by scores of grateful souls who he helped in the past”; “I continued to be his patient even though I had to travel from New York”; and “He was the heart beat and rhythm for so many patients and staff. He made me aspire to be a better nurse.”

This is one of those times we must let go of someone so pure of heart. The beautiful crystal chandelier over the dining table in their home, which he himself picked out and purchased, will remain as a shining beacon of light, a reminder of the dear and generous doctor everyone admired.

Dear Doctor Vahagn, thank you for getting me through months of pain and immobility with your advice, supplements, and the caring of Mary Jo as well. I will forever be grateful for that and for having known a physician who understands the true meaning of being a healer. All the words of love and adulation spoken at your farewell were deserved by you. May you rest in peace. Your wife and family remain devoted to your memory.

Betty Apigian-Kessel

Betty Apigian-Kessel

Betty (Serpouhie) Apigian Kessel was born in Pontiac, Mich. Together with her husband, Robert Kessel, she was the proprietor of Woodward Market in Pontiac and has two sons, Bradley and Brant Kessel. She belonged to the St. Sarkis Ladies Guild for 12 years, serving as secretary for many of those years. During the aftermath of the earthquake in Armenia in 1988, the Detroit community selected her to be the English-language secretary and she happily dedicated her efforts to help the earthquake victims. She has a column in the Armenian Weekly entitled “Michigan High Beat.”

1 Comment

  1. He was ever-present at Armenian affairs, and loved by all in the Detroit Community. He was very close to our family. He will be missed. Fondly, Helen Knar (Arakelian) Cirrito

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*