George Tamouzian

George Tamouzian, was born on October 5, 1930, at his family home in Cutler, to Arshag and Pepron AnanianTamouzian. George was the fourth of four children, including an older sister Margaret (deceased) and two older brothers Sark (deceased) and Michael (deceased). George’s family fled Turkey coming to the United States via Ellis Island, eventually settling in the Yettem community. George’s father, Arshag, passed away when George was only five years old. George’s mother passed away in 1986.

George attended Yettem Elementary School and helped his brother Sark on the family farm when he could. He began working at an early age, growing grapes for making golden bleach raisins, at his family’s dehydrator.

Although George lived in Cutler, he attended and graduated from Visalia High School. His brother and sister wanted him to attend school in the big city. He enjoyed taking shop classes while in high school.

In the early 1950s George enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was very proud to say that he served as a Military Police. He humbly talked about how he protected General Patton by being his body guard. He started off in Maine and was finally stationed in Seoul Korea. He loved the military and the experiences it gave him. But, he was needed at home, and did not re- enlist after his four years were over.

While George was serving in the Korean Conflict, Sark was expanding the farm, growing not only grapes, but vegetables, as well. In 1953 George, and his brother Sark, started a farming partnership. In 1954 the partnership built the packing house located on Avenue 384, followed in 1956 by a cold storage facility. Shortly thereafter the business became known as Tamouzian Brothers.

Initially, Tamouzian Brothers farmed tomatoes, peppers, squash, grapes and cotton. Tamouzian Brothers later became known as the largest vine ripening tomato operation in the region. The business was also ranked at one time as the 14th largest business in Tulare County. George was very proud of the business he and his brother created. Sark was the “business” partner, traveling the world in attempts to expand their growing business. George was in charge of “farming” operations back home. He created different varieties of tomatoes and grapes over the years. He never took his summer vacation until the middle of August, after the season was over.

On July 4, 1957 George met a young school teacher after an AGBU Picnic in Fresno. George’s cousin, George Ananian slyly introduced him to Phyllis Sadoian. After the picnic, they went out for some root beer floats. George ended up driving back and forth from Cutler to Fresno for over a year, and then they finally became engaged. George and Phyllis were married at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in Yettem on May 9, 1959.

George and Phyllis built their new home in Cutler in 1962. It was on their “home place” in middle of their Thompson grape vineyard. Pepron’s home was walking distance, with the family vineyard surrounding her home, as well. Soon after they moved into their new home, their first child Lori was born in 1963. Their son Michael was born in 1964. Their second daughter Pamela was born in 1967.

Throughout the years, George was an active member of the St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, serving on the Board, as well. He was also a member of the Armenian Men’s Fraternity, Triple X Sequoia Chapter, for 37 years. George enjoyed being a member of the AGBU, Mr. and Mrs. Club, and the American Legion. When George was not working, he would love to sneak off to Las Vegas to visit his brother in law, and roll a little dice while he was there.

After 52 years of marriage, George passed away in his family home on October, 18, 2011 with his wife Phyllis by his side. He ended his life like a champ, after fighting his battle with Leukemia for two years.

George is survived by his wife, Phyllis; His daughter Lori Sarabian and her husband Charles, and their daughters Chareena and Chloe; His son Michael Tamouzian and wife Pam, and their children Allie and Clayton; His daughter Pamela Stepanian and her husband Harry, and their children Shayla, Spencer, and Sloan. George also has many nieces and nephews and eight great nieces and nephews. George is also survived by his brother in law Eugene Sadoian and his wife Elisa.