Varoujan Nanorian

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Varoujan (John) Nanorian. With his loving family close at his side, Varoujan passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 5th, 2023, in his 85th year, one month after the passing of his loving wife Knarik Nanorian.

Varoujan was born in Aleppo, Syria in 1938 to devoted parents and Armenian Genocide survivors Dikran Nanorian and Victoria Dourlisanian. He was the only son and youngest sibling to his beloved sisters Janet and Zevart. With a restless spirit and a desire to see the world, he moved to Beirut, Lebanon in 1958 and further afield to Frankfurt, Germany in 1960. Over the next three years, he lived and worked, learned the German language, and met many of his lifelong friends. He spoke often and fondly of his time in Germany, where he created lasting and cherished memories.

In 1963, Varoujan arrived in Canada, with little in the way of money, language or trade, but full of determination. Settling with friends in Hamilton, Ontario and later moving to Toronto, he worked a myriad of jobs throughout his lifetime, from early days as a welder with National Steel Car and Stelco to x-ray technician in the darkrooms at SickKids Hospital. He settled into a lifelong career of entrepreneurship in the food industry, owning and operating a bakery, fast food business, and ice cream store.

Varoujan found fraternity, familiarity and friendship within the Armenian community at the Armenian Community Centre (the “agoomp” or “club”), where he met his wife, Knarik Mardirosian Nanorian. They married in April of 1972, and remained married for 51 years. Together they began a family and welcomed their daughter Seda in 1974. Throughout his life, Varoujan imparted his passion for learning, reading and the power of education, and modeled his devotion to understanding the past, present and future of the Armenian people. He was overjoyed with pride at the arrival of his grandchildren, Kai in 2009 and Keegan in 2011, and filled with the deepest sense of love and protection. His biggest smiles were always reserved for them, never failing to support their achievements and providing them with his loving guidance and limitless love throughout their lives.

Beloved HUSBAND of Knarik Nanorian. predeceased. Devoted FATHER to Seda (Ken). Proud GRANDFATHER or MEDZ BABA to Kai and Keegan. Loving SON to his parents, mom Victoria, predeceased and father Dikran, predeceased, Cherished BROTHER of Janet, predeceased (Jan, predeceased), and Zevart, predeceased (Makarditch, predeceased). He also leaves behind boundless love for his many cousins, nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. The family would also like to acknowledge the compassionate care provided by nurses, personal support workers and countless others.

Though heavy in heart, we are forever filled with the memory of Varoujan’s determined spirit, emotional honesty and contagious smile. We know in our hearts that he is at peace.

All are welcome to attend the following services for Varoujan:

Visitation on Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 10:30 am to 11:00 am at St. Mary's Armenian Apostolic Church, 45 Hallcrown Place, North York, M2J 4Y4.

Funeral service will follow from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Interment service will occur on Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm at York Cemetery, 160 Beecroft Road, Toronto, ON M2N 5Z5.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial tribute gift are asked to consider donations to St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church.