Alex 
I think of him with a giant smile, he always made me laugh out loud.  Best days at mikes camera and our Hollywood antics.  Fly like an angel!! Becky

Such a gentle and charming man. Ara you were taken from us far too soon and are missed dearly.

I met Alex about a year ago through my role managing corporate relationships at Denver Botanic Gardens and our partnership with Mike's Camera.  We became instant friends over our first coffee meeting as we shared stories of traveling the world, vintage motorcycles (thanks to my husband), building strong, long-lasting partnerships and our mutual passion for using business to do good in our communities and in the world.  Alex made a big impression on me and I liked him immediately.  Soon after we met, he shared with me that he hadn't been feeling well and I cried when I found out he had been diagnosed with cancer. He was so strong and optimistic every time I spoke with him.  I knew how much he loved the Gardens - especially coming to summer concerts - and we made sure he could soak in one more magical musical night in the UMB amphitheater here.  Living out his love for photography and opening up access for people to try new camera equipment, he also mustered his energy and came to the Mike's Camera Demo Day here this past fall.  I will never forget Alex, his bright smile, fun sense of humor and zest for life.  The Gardens family is thankful to be connected to the Mike's Camera family and we join you in your deep sadness over the loss of Alex on this earth.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Alex, you will be dearly missed and thought of often.  Your creative and compassionate legacy will live on.

I meet the Christianian family early on through the Armenians of Colorado. They were always present and supported the organization and its members tirelessly. I naturally became friends with Ara, and his brothers Jirair and Vahe at many events in Denver and Boulder.

Ara  always had time to talk and find out about my family and share his life and family with me. It was a very special relationship that I will always remember and made me feel privileged to know him. Although our paths parted I will miss knowing Ara and his life and remember him as a special person and a friend.


Mike’s Camera was our very first client when Nico and I started Insight Designs in 1999. I always enjoyed working with Alex, mostly because we shared a love of travel and liked swapping stories. In more recent years, we crossed paths socially, and he was always a joy. Such a good man. And such a loss. My heartfelt condolences to Vahe, Jirair and the rest of the family.

My husband and I first met Alex many years ago through my son and son-in-law.  We knew from the beginning he would be our friend too!  What an amazing man he was!  His smile lit up the world, and when you visited with him, he had the knack of putting you at ease with his conversational ability.  It had been awhile since we had connected with Alex and then in September he graciously accepted an invitation from us for a late summer evening with friends.  How wonderful to visit him!  It was like we never lost touch.  We are very saddened that the world has lost Alex, but his grace, empathy, and ability to accept everyone for who they were will live on in our memories.  Condolences and much love, peace, and light to Alex’s family and all who were enriched by his presence in our lives.

Bev and Dave Miller

Alex had a smile that would like up the room and a sense of humor that made you laugh to the core!  My deepest condolences to all of his family and friends.  Alison Tomlinson 

Today, I am heartbroken.  When we refer to ourselves here at Mike's Camera as "The Mike's Camera Family", we truly mean it.  Mike's is a very special place to work and Alex was a very special human being.  He was a mentor, a leader, a cheerleader, an innovator and a comic with a wicked sense of humor.  Alex always encouraged me to look at things differently and  to step outside of my comfort zone and my life was better for having had the privilege of knowing him.  I count myself lucky to be part of the Mike's family.  
My thoughts and prayers are with the Christianian family.  May time speed toward peace and away from pain.    
  

I’ve known Alex since college at C U Boulder , more than half our life! My sincere condolences for his family.

I have known and worked with Alex for over 25 years.   A great guy to be around as he was always smiling.  I will miss him.  My love and heart felt sympathies to his family, friends and the staff at Mike's Camera.

I met Ara in 7th grade at Southern Hills. He was kind and generous and he always made me laugh. I was lucky enough to stay connected with him throughout our lives. I adored him and will miss him terribly...I’m so glad we were able to share a happy, giggly lunch together at Christmas. Love you Ara 💕

Ara was my very special childhood friend. Throughout junior high and high school, we spent many, many lunch hours together, walking and talking about every topic under the sun...and, although we lost touch in later years, whenever our paths would cross, that easy connection between us was still there, still just as precious. Thank you, dearest Ara, for sharing your light. May you shine on forever.   

From the days back in Boulder to times here in Denver...you will always bring a smile to my face and great memories Alex!   This world was such a better place with you in it my friend.

Alex was a regular of mine at a Starbucks that looked like a barn on Colfax.  He ordered a Venti nonfat latte and always came inside and never used the drive thru.  He was much more than that though, I was getting ready to take a sabbatical  from work and travel around the world collecting stories - I didn't have the finances for equipment, so I approached him with what I was doing and he immediately offered his support and help.  He loaned me camera equipment but he did more than that - he saw me and acknowledge me in a way others couldn't.  He made me believe that what I was wanting to accomplish was worth pursuing and because of that - I am a different person and the quality of my life vastly improved. Sending love and light to all that knew him.


OBITUARY

Ara Alex Christianian

December 6, 1967 – January 27, 2020

Crist Mortuary & Cremation and Mountain View Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services