Obituary of Vahan Yervant Khachadour Assadourian

Vahan Assadourian, 85, of Eugene, OR, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 6, 2023. He was born on May 31 in Jerusalem and married his wife of 53 years Joyce (Lorondeau) Assadourian on September 6. He was the son of the late Father Khosrof and Mary (Kevorkian) Assadourian.

In addition to his wife, Joyce, he leaves behind his son Kyle Vahan Assadourian, his daughter Rehanne Sampson and her husband Scott, his grandchildren Alyssa and Amari Sampson, his sister, Sirarpie Ohanian, his sisters-in-law, Sandy Asadourian and Diane Assadourian, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was predeceased by his brothers Sebouh Asadourian and Avak Assadourian.

Capturing Vahan’s life story in a few short paragraphs is not easy. A storyteller by nature, Vahan captivated and engaged everyone he met. Whether reminiscing about the tales of his youth and other life experiences or listening to others as they told their own story; he touched everyone he met, always remembering the details of each person’s life. And then, regardless of how much time passed between meetings – it could be 10 days or 10 years – he would pick up the conversation where it left off, listening with a compassionate ear and offering words of wisdom.

Vahan grew up in Jerusalem. He was a religious man who embraced his Armenian heritage. His home away from home was the St. Kevork Armenian Church of Oregon where he worshipped, sang with his powerful voice and connected with fellow Armenians over coffee and traditional foods after services.

Always bright and adventurous, he earned a scholarship to the Friends Boys School in Ramallah, and then a university scholarship to Gustavus Adolphus University in St. Peter, MN. Armed with his authentic charm, genuine kindness, a small suitcase, and a few dollars, he journeyed to the U.S. He earned degrees in both Chemistry and English. After graduating, he moved to Los Angeles, CA, where he worked as a chemical engineer for Technicolor and MGM. In between, he also served in the U.S. Army.

In the 80s, he and his family moved to Eugene, OR where he opened The mEating Place, a restaurant that quickly became an oasis for many. A people person by nature, Vahan took every opportunity to welcome new friends and old. He could often be heard saying, “Hello, my name is Vahan. What is your name and where are you from?” Sometimes this introduction was even made in one of the many languages he spoke. He loved traveling with his wife, spending time exploring the U.S. and Canada in his motorhome. He also enjoyed going to the gym and engaging in community activities. Vahan was an author of poetry, short stories and novels, some of which have been published and awarded. Published novels include “Conch (MIA)” and soon to be released, “For Those Who Know How to Die”.

Vahan’s story will live on through his family, his many friends, and everyone else who’s life he touched. His story was special because he was special. Vahan was a beautiful man with a beautiful soul and will be very sadly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

A requiem service will be held at 11 a.m., Sunday, March 19, 2023 at St. Kevork Armenian Church, 9215 SE Church St., Clackamas, OR  97015. In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances may be sent to St. Kevork Armenian Church, 9215 SE Church St., Clackamas, OR  97015.