Farewell "Handsome Rascal"

On December 30, 2008, my maternal Grandfather, Edward Kourken Torossian, died at 85 after a heartbreaking 2-year battle with lymphoma, chronic infections and heart failure. I am grateful that his suffering is finally over, because his vigorous and passionate nature withered slowly away during this time.

He was the tallest guy in the room (in many ways), and his booming, animated and professorial voice filled it. He bravely served as a bomber pilot in WWII whose B-24 was once shot down in France. He held strong opinions on nearly every topic and current event and deeply enjoyed engaging in spirited debates with any willing and able opponent. He reveled in elaborate orations and singing songs from his youth. He celebrated and enthusiastically shared his Armenian heritage in food, drink, dance and values.

As his first and oldest grandchild, I fondly recall being lifted heavenward over his head, hugging his long spindly legs as a toddler, calling him a "handsome rascal," marveling at his size 14 shoes and strong muscles, learning to throw a punch and to stop saying "like" after every word as a teenager. I enjoyed eating his homemade madzoon (Armenian yogurt) on everything and anything, going caroling together on Christmas Eve, arguing about politics, talking about a healthy diet and fitness, jogging together side by side, the value of hard work and compounding interest, and eventually, introducing my newborn daughter to her Great-Grandfather. The photo above depicts their first meeting.

He was married to the love of his life for over 60 years, Rosalie, had 4 daughters, 6 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, our Kate. Also surviving are one older sister and brother-in-law and his niece and nephew.

Visitation will be from 6-9 PM on Friday, Jan. 2, and the funeral will be on Sat., Jan. 3 starting a 9:30 AM, both at St. John's Armenian Church, 22001 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield, Michigan.