Joseph Halajian

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Joseph Halajian, on Tuesday, July 22, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. Joe is survived by his devoted wife Marilyn (nee Marshall) and daughters Kelly (Andrew) and Jenny (Paul), his son Michael (Eva) and his adoring grandchildren. He was 77 years old.

Joe was born on May 25, 1937 in Brantford, Ontario, to Arthur and Sara Halajian. He was the youngest of four children and took on the role of baby brother with typical enthusiasm. After high school, Joe moved to Toronto and attended the University of Toronto to study engineering. It was there that he met the love of his life, a beautiful blonde nursing student named Marilyn Marshall. Undeterred by any obstacles she put in his way, Joe pursued his love with the same passion he brought to everything else he did. They married in 1961, the year after Joe graduated in Civil Engineering. After graduating, Joe served as an Officer in the RCAF before he and his new family moved to Ottawa. A few years later, the family moved to Toronto, which became their permanent home. There, with three young children at home and working full time, Joe completed his MBA at York University. Joe's work as an engineer and construction project manager can be seen in countless projects around the GTA, including the Toronto Reference Library, the Eaton Centre, the CN Tower, the Promenade Centre and the Woodbine Centre. He eventually started his own company, Halajian & Associates.

After retirement, Joe's love of life flourished. He and Marilyn travelled on elaborate trips that he spent months organizing. He golfed every day he could. He became an accomplished watercolour artist, a loyal bridge partner and fearsome bridge opponent and a doting grandfather.

Life was precious to our Dad and he filled every day with passion and joy as if it were his last. A fighter to the end, we will never forget his indomitable spirit. He touched many lives and he will be forever missed. We would like to extend a special thank you to the ICU staff at Scarborough General Hospital for their patience and compassion with us during this difficult time.

A celebration of Joe's life will be held on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at 2:00 p.m., at Thornhill Golf & Country Club, 7994 Yonge Street, Thornhill. A showing of his artwork will be held at the McKay Art Centre, 197 Main Street, Unionville, from August 6 to 10, 2014. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada would be appreciated.