Malcolm Avedis Tarkanian

Malcolm Tarkanian died peacefully on January 7 at Exempla Lutheran Medical Center in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Dr. Tarkanian joyfully practiced ophthalmology for over 42 years at Arvada Eye Associates in Arvada, Colorado.

Malcolm was born into an Armenian family in Cleveland, Ohio. His father, Levon Tarkanian, had a shoe repair shop and his mother, Nevart (Avedisian) was a homemaker and assisted his father in the shop. Malcolm’s happy childhood included making daily newspaper deliveries and helping his aunt in her grocery store. Malcolm grew to love the violin and at one time considered classical music as a career path.

In 1967, he married Hermine (Katchian), an Armenian college classmate. Dr. Tarkanian received his MD from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in 1968 and his undergraduate degree from Western Reserve University in 1964. From 1969-72, he served as the Command Surgeon for the 32nd Army Air Defense Command USAREUR, achieving the rank of Major while stationed in Germany. He then completed his ophthalmology residency at the Colorado Health Sciences Center in 1976.

Dr. Tarkanian volunteered his medical services as a clinical and surgical instructor at the Denver Health Medical Center from 1977-2018. He was instrumental in establishing the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless Stout Street Health Center Eye Clinic in 1999. The program is volunteer-based and provides comprehensive eye care to the homeless and the underserved community. Dr. Tarkanian volunteered his ophthalmological care to patients at Stout Street Eye Clinic until 2018. Dr. Tarkanian served as a board member of the Community First Foundation for over 10 years. He was also an active member of the Applewood Kiwanis Club for over 35 years. He volunteered for the 9 Health Fair for 32 years and also found time to instruct a class on the human body through OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at University of Denver). In addition, he served on the ethics board of Lutheran Medical Center for many years.

Malcolm’s accolades include the “Lutheran Medical Center Community Foundations 2002 Physician Community Service Award” for founding the volunteer eye care program for the homeless in Denver. In 2004 he received Channel 9’s “9 Who Care Award “ for his years of volunteer service, and in 2008 he received the “Harold E.Williamson Award” from the COPIC Medical Foundation for his dedication to the Colorado healthcare community.

For over 56 years, Malcolm and Hermine shared many joys, including classical music, travel, and most importantly, time with their family. Malcolm always looked for the good in everyone he met and marveled at the immensity of the universe. He was always curious about the world and never stopped learning.

Malcolm is survived by his wife Hermine, daughter Cynthia Tarkanian (Michael), son Eric Tarkanian, and granddaughters Lucy and Juliet. In addition, he leaves behind his older brother Michael Tarkanian (Cheryl), and sisters-in-law Anahid Katchian (Walter), and Sonia Katchian.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, Stout Street Eye Clinic at: https://www.coloradocoalition.org/?form=FUNMKUCSQAZ, choose Donate, check box that says Dedicate this donation and name Dr. Malcolm Tarkanian. If mailing a donation, mention “In memory of Dr. Malcolm Tarkanian” in the memo and mail to: Stout Street Eye Clinic, c/o Colorado Coalition for the Homeless PO Box 1560, Denver, CO 80201