Onnig Vazken Khandjian, age 73, of Henderson, Nevada passed away on Thursday, October 7, 2021. He was born on September 9, 1948 at the Greek Hospital in Alexandria, Egypt to his parents Kathryn and Vazken Khandjian. He was raised in Egypt, with his brother Edward, who tortured Onnig at every opportunity. As a young child, Onnig would learn to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that he would carry with him throughout his life. As a young boy, Onnig was always aware of how others around him felt and this quality served him well. He preferred a quiet environment where he could concentrate, collect stamps, and spending time with his family and his best friend Harry Vonn.
Onnig enjoyed learning. He always had a great memory and was particularly skilled at retaining factual information about almost anything. Onnig was generally quiet in class, learning best through observation. He often showed great concentration and was competent at completing the tasks at hand. Good with details, Onnig was painstaking and accurate in his efforts. All of these talents culminated in his success. Onnig graduated high school his favorite courses being in mathematics, and went on to continue his education graduating from St. George’s College in Cairo, Egypt. He later earned another degree at the Community College of the Air Force; with his favorite course being in accounting.
On December 19, 1972 Onnig married Dolores Vallejo at the Armenian Church of Hollywood, California. He was totally committed to Dolores and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if Onnig naturally sensed his spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally.
Onnig was a good father to his children. He had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because he trusted emotions, Onnig was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way he seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around him, always thinking before acting. In addition, Onnig was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around him might be, he seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Onnig was blessed with two daughters: Linda and Gina. As there family grew, the couple were blessed with six grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
If you gave Onnig a deadline, he would meet it. At work, Onnig was always on task. Without hesitation, Onnig could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. His primary occupation was serving as a Chief Master Sergeant, for over 28 years in the United States Air Force. During that time he served all over the world. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant; and was awarded the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, Air Force Over Seas Long Tour Ribbon with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Over Seas Short Tour Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 8 Oak Leaf Clusters, and Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Graduate Ribbon with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster.
Onnig liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Onnig's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Onnig preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on his hobbies. His favorite hobbies were tending to his garden; collecting trains, cars and stamps, and spending time with his grandchildren. Onnig was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying his hobbies all by himself and could often be found just reading about his favorite pastimes.
Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Onnig had smooth sailing. It was often taken for granted that he was the trip planner. He would start early and examine all of the possibilities, selecting the best and most effective options. Favorite vacations included visiting friends and family.
Onnig had Beagle, who was his best friend for 10 years. Onnig was as loyal to his pets as they were to him.
When Onnig's retirement finally arrived in 2004, he was well prepared. He had taken the time to learn about his various options and chose his course wisely. His new life involved relocating to Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Even in retirement, Onnig continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.
It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Onnig was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Onnig was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of man to whom everyone was drawn. He was thorough and practical. Onnig Khandjian was very literal with his words. You always knew where you stood with Onnig. He will be missed.
Onnig was preceded in death by his father, Vazken Khandjian; mother, Kathryn Khandjian; and his grandson Jacob Carl Yowell. He is survived by his wife, Dolores Khandjian; daughters: Linda Yowell and his Gina Kelley-Frelich (Robert); brother, Edward Khandjian; grandchildren: Judy Yinger (Jeff), Keith Nieto (Andrea William), Alexa Kelley (Dylan Williams), Chris Frelich (Sierra Treptow), Nyna Frelich (Josh Otten); and great grandchildren: Chelsea Shehan, Alyssa Napolitano, Lorelai Yinger, Brandon Williams, Kaycen Frelich, Micah Frelich, Reece Nieto, Dylan Nieto, Harley Nieto, Evan Nieto; Hazel Otten; and one great-great grandson, Jacob Brian Miller.
Visitation will be held Thursday, October 14, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 PM both at Palm Boulder Highway Mortuary, 800 South Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV. He will be honored for his service immediately following at Palm Henderson. Onnig will be laid to rest privately at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmboulderhighway.com for the Khandjian family.
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