Varougan Movsesian 1932-1991

A brief biography of our father
Varougan Movsesian

Varougan Movsesian was born on July 17, 1932 in Marseille, France to Hovsep and Marie Movsesian. At age 5, with his mother and brother Nazaret, he moved to New York, where he met his father for the first time. In 1942 the family moved to California and settled in Los Angeles.

Varougan attended local schools and graduated Marshall High School. He met his future wife, Anna Vartanian and they were engaged to be married in 1952. They were attracted to each other because of their strong love for their Armenian language and heritage. During the Korean War he served his country as a medic stationed at Fort Ord. In 1955 they were married at St. James Armenian Church, Los Angeles.

Varougan and Anna were blessed with four children: Hovsep, Anush, Haig and Sona. With the help and support of his wife, in 1960 he received his doctor of pharmacy degree from the University of Southern California. He practiced pharmacy throughout the Southern California area.

Our dad had a unique love and respect for his Armenian cultural heritage which he shared with mom. They were Armenian when it was not popular to be Armenian. They named us with Armenian names and insisted that we speak Armenian despite the criticism of many who felt it a hindrance to functioning in American society. They taught us the music, dance and culture of our people.

Dad's love for his Armenian heritage was only surpassed by his need to express that heritage. His only fear in life had to do with his homeland. When asked if he would ever go to Armenia, he would admit that he could never go as a tourist and that if he did go, he would not return. He once wrote, "Armenia, she flows in my veins. My eyes see my Ararat in my soul. I am one unto myself, a prison that I cannot escape. My ears hear its music, my soul anguishes its plight and yet we endure and endure and endure. Who wears who out? Am I the mountain or the stone cutter?"

Armenian song and dance were his love. He would wake us up in the mornings to the sound of his violin, crying the songs of a sometimes happy and sometimes sad people.

Dad was an innovator, a pioneer and most of all a man who provided opportunity for people. He taught many the value of being Armenian. He organized the first Armenian dance group which enjoyed recognition throughout the State. Among their achievements included performing at the opening of Disneyland. He set up many Armenian orchestras and bands which became the source of Armenian culture in the Los Angeles area in the 50's, 60's and the 70's. The number of people who he has touched is far beyond calculation.

Our dad stressed the importance of education. He was well read and could carry on a conversation about virtually anything with virtually anyone. Having a strong will and determination he put himself through school. He spared no expense nor hardship to send us to Armenian day schools, and to college. He taught us that nothing is impossible if we are willing to put our minds to it. He was moved by the plight of his ancestors and the martyrdom they endured. He would insist, "It is not for us to give up. It is for us to take, forge, change and strengthen."

Dad was a humble and non-judgmental man. Despite being a doctor, he would never put on airs or make waves. His system was not polluted by the false sense of security that comes with material wealth. He honestly believed people were to be respected not on who they are, nor on the worth of their assets, nor on what they have done, but rather on what they are doing now. He never looked back, only moved forward with his life. Many people did not understand him nor his ways, but then to our dad, that never bothered him. His humility is an example for all of us.

He believed in his Church, he believed in his God without the exaggerated displays of faith. For dad, faith was dead if it was not backed with actions. Along with mom, they made the Church the focal point in our life. Dad believed in our ability to self determination. He taught us to think and reason. He demanded that we respect ourselves as human beings. He challenged us to question authority. Though we never questioned him, we always saw him as authority.

His greatest love in life was his family. With mom, they created a loving home in Los Angeles on Hoover Street. That house became a landmark among the Armenian community. Our friends were their friends. They trusted the way they had reared us and the values they had instilled within us. The house was always full of people. Either newly arrived immigrants, visiting clergy, dignitaries, musicians or just some friends would always find a house full of food, drink and music.

In 1979 he walked his daughter Anush down the isle to be united with Bruce Burr. In 1982 he watched his oldest son marry Susan Boranian. He was blessed with four grandchildren: Nareg, Varoujan, Ani and Sevan. These were his joys. Recently, he saw his "baby" Sona graduate college to further her education in psychology at CSUN.

On February 9, while witnessing his son Haig's khoskgab, with his family around him, with his wife of 35 years at his side and with the sight of his four grandchildren playing before him, dad closed his eyes with his greatest treasures.

As Thoreau writes, "Why should we be in such desperate haste to succeed, and in such desperate enterprises? If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away." Dad was a special and unique man. He did not follow the ways of the world, but always strived for something higher, perhaps unattainable. He was a pioneer and an individual in a mechanized society. We are all better for knowing him and growing under his shadow. And we believe the world is just a bit better for having him walk on its surface. We love you dad and will miss you.

Varougan Movsesian is survived by his wife Anna Movsesian, children Fr. Vazken & Susan Movsesian, Bruce & Anush Burr, Haig, Sona Movsesian, four grandchildren, brother Nazareth & Lucy Movsesian, many neices and nephews and a multitude of friends.

Upon the request of the family, in lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the St. Andrew Armenian Church, 11370 S. Stelling Road, Cupertino, CA 95014.