Harold Avedis Antranikian

Harold was born June 21, 1949, in Fresno, California, to Avedis and Rose Antranikian. He attended Fresno Colony, Ivy Junior High and graduated from Washington Union High School in 1967 where he was a member of the marching band and wrestling team. He went on to obtain degrees from Fresno City College and California State University, Fresno. He played clarinet in the marching band and especially enjoyed performing in the Bulldogs football halftime shows and parades.

The family home doubled as the family business and Harold found fulfillment working alongside his parents. Produce, hay, grape stakes, railroad ties, Christmas trees, fireworks…there was always work to be done. But true joy came from his trips to the mountains with his father. Cultivating this little piece of heaven off Cressmans Road was where Harold's spirit was always most at peace. His father Avedis passed away in 1973, but Harold worked continually to maintain the land. Through the years, he loved taking family and friends to the property, especially when the apples were ripe and ready for picking. And during the Christmas season, he would trudge through the rain, sleet or snow to find the perfect Christmas tree for not only his home, but also for any family, friend or neighbor.

In 1968, Harold met the woman of his dreams and love of his life, Dianne Joy Kachadurian. They were united in marriage July 10, 1976 and always looked for each other’s hand as they walked through life as devoted partners.

In 1977, Harold made the decision to resign from Longs Drugs and, with his brother Stan, purchase Fresno Grape Stake Yard from their mother. In 1978, Harold and Dianne drove the Pacific coast visiting lumber mills and making business contacts along the way. In the early 1980s, the first Hmong customer walked through the business door and told Harold there would be Southeast Asian farmers coming to the area and they would need stakes and twine for their crops. Harold got to work finding the needed supplies. Forty years later, family farms and fence contractors remain the backbone of the business. His innate ability to listen to his customers’ product needs, along with a motto to “always treat the customers the way you want to be treated” has kept Fresno Grape Stake Yard serving the community for 88 years and counting.

In December 1979, Harold and Dianne welcomed their daughter Andrea to the world. They thought their family was complete, but God had other plans. Through the years Andrea was blessed with friends who have truly completed the family.

Harold didn’t have many hobbies beyond hard work, but he knew the importance of serving the Lord in different capacities. He was the St. Paul Armenian Church Sunday School treasurer and served on the Parish Council for several years. His light shined brightest through his genuine smile and interest in all those God put in his path.

Harold is survived by his wife Dianne of 48 years, daughter Andrea, bonus kids Dr. Hovig Artinian, Leslie Lindsey, Ginger and husband Joe Braml, Hayley and husband Ben Vera, granddaughter Hazel Vera, siblings Stan and Irene Antranikian, Beverly Atamian, Rosemary and Dn. Allan Jendian, his bonus siblings Allen and Erin Kachadurian, Jim and Katherine Kachadurian, Karen and Daniel Hawkins, Karole and David Allbritton, and his many treasured nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cherished cousins and life long friends.

Harold is preceded in death by his parents Avedis and Rose Antranikian, in-laws Henry and Dorothy Kachadurian, brother-in-law Seth Atamian, nephew David Atamian and niece Christine Antranikian.

He will be remembered for his love of God, devotion to his family, humility, selflessness, hard work, generosity and million dollar smile that could melt even the hardest of hearts. There is no doubt that his Heavenly Father greeted him with open arms and said, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to St. Paul Armenian Church, Valley Teen Ranch, Fresno Mission or the donor's favorite charity.

A visitation for Harold will be held Wednesday, October 16, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E Nees Ave, Fresno, California 93720. A funeral service will occur Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 10:30 AM at St. Paul Armenian Church, 3767 N First St, Fresno, California 93726. A committal service will occur Thursday, October 17, 2024 at Masis Ararat Armenian Cemetery, 250 N Hughes Ave, Fresno, California 93706.