Kevork Misak Balian

Kevork Misak George Balian passed away on Tuesday, November 5th. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 9th at 12 noon at Northminster Presbyterian Church with Reverend Chip Grantham officiating. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Northminister Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 565 Wimbish Road, Macon 31210.

Mr. Balian began his study of art at a French and American school in Aleppo, Syria where his lifelong dream of being an artist was born. A dream that would inspire an 18-year-old Kevork Balian to board an ocean liner headed to America. Armed with only what he could fit in a small suitcase, 250 dollars in his pocket and a watch his family pitched in together to buy him, he began not only a long journey across the Atlantic Ocean to a foreign land but a larger grand journey that would span his entire life. A life filled with adventure, successes and accomplishments many of us could only marvel at, read about in an elegant novel or sit down with a box of hot popcorn and watch on the silver screen.

His life in America started as a student of Architecture, working to pay for school and getting to and from classes on his famous “one pedal” bicycle. He left Auburn University with a degree in Architecture, a beautiful young bride and the biggest passion for football south of the Mason Dixon line. He took great pride in seeing two Auburn University National Championships and four undefeated seasons.

An award-winning Architect and Master Artist, Kevork Balian’s work adorns the streets of cities like Macon, Atlanta, St. Louis and Manhattan and range from graceful residential designs, elementary schools to New York sky scrapers and the Abuja National Mosque in Africa.

Mr. Balian was a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church in Macon and a member of the American Institute of Architects.

He is survived by his wife, Terri Balian; children, Robert (Kah-Lee Wong) Balian; Meg (Jack Leverette) Balian and Perry Balian; grandchildren, Sara Balian, Kate Balian, Piper Balian and George Balian-Leverette; sister, Nvart Balian Kavlakian and office manager, Barbara Godwin.

Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express condolences.

Snow’s Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Services, Cherry Street has charge of arrangements.