Today, in the early morning of December 29, 2022, I experienced a heartache: Edward Misserlian has passed away.
The difference in our ages – I am 53, he is 84 – did not prevent us from becoming good friends.
Years ago, Edward intervened to prevent the ANI Center for Armenian Studies from closing. Our unbreakable friendship began at that time, when one of my friends, Armen Petrosian, introduced us. He said that ANI will not be closed.
Misserlian generously supported the activities of the ANI center and the DOVEGH football club for many years, several valuable volumes were printed with his donations. From now on, the books to be published by the ANI Center will be dedicated to his memory.
I also fondly remember traveling with Edward Misserlian and his wife, Mrs. Verzhin, to Javakhk, Western Armenia, Ani, Artsakh, Shushi, as well as many places in Armenia. They once visited my village and ate bread, cheese and tomatoes in our garden.
Years ago, they invited me to visit them in San Francisco. Edward showed me their local community and church, where he was a deeply respected community member, leader, and generous supporter.
He walked me to the house where William Saroyan lived.
Today, early in the morning, one by one, I remembered our many meetings, our travels, our conversations about the future of beloved Armenia and Artsakh.
Before, during, and after the 44-day disastrous war, Edward called incessantly. He lived in San Francisco, but his heart and soul were here, in the Motherland.
Rest in peace, dear Edward. When I come to America next month, I will bring flowers to your grave.
I will light candles in the Armenian churches and remember your disarming smile.
Your friend Tatul Hakobyan
December 29, 2022
