Souren Sam Farsakian

Souren Sam Farsakian was born on November 18, 1927 in Bronx, NY. He was the oldest child of Hrant and Myreni Farsakian. Sam spent the majority of his life in Visalia, where the family moved before his second grade year.

At Visalia High School Sam was involved in student government and sports. He was team captain and MVP of the baseball team his senior year. He also was a member of the basketball team and as a senior coached the freshman basketball team. After graduating from Visalia High in 1945, he played basketball and baseball at COS where he was again voted team captain.

Following the legendary coach Pete Biden from COS to Fresno State, Sam played baseball for two years at Fresno State. He was a member of the 1950 State Championship team. Sam was also a charter member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity while at FSU.

Sam served in the US Army from 1950 to 1952 and was stationed in the Philippine Islands. After his service he returned home and began a long career in education as a teacher, coach, and administrator. His first teaching assignment was at Orosi High School, where he was also Varsity Baseball coach in 1952. In 1953 Sam moved to Visalia High School where he was a 9th grade English Teacher and freshman baseball coach.

In 1955 Sam was part of the original faculty when Redwood High was established. At Redwood, where he remained until his retirement in 1988, Sam served the school in many capacities. He was the Varsity Baseball coach from 1954-1961. He led the “B” class football team, which he coached 1955-1957 to an undefeated season. He served as Chairman of Physical Education Department and Athletic Director 1957—1961. 1958-1961 he was an Assistant Varsity Football Coach and had the distinction of defeating Mt. Whitney for the first time in the Cowhide Game and retained the Hide for three seasons.

He also held the positions of Guidance/Core Teacher, Coordinator of Driver Education Program, Assistant Attendance Director, Coordinator of Attendance, a Counselor, and when he retired he was Head of the Counseling Department. When he retired in 1988 he was the last of the original faculty and was dubbed the Lone Ranger.

Sam was inducted into the Redwood High School Hall of Fame in 1988 and in 2009 he, along with his teammates of the 1950 State Championship team, was inducted into the Fresno State Baseball Wall of Fame.

Sam married Betty Simonian on June 19, 1954. Together they had three children; Linda, Larry, and Alan. He was a lifelong and active member of the St. Mary Armenian Church of Yettem. At St. Mary he served the church in many ways. In 2012 he received the Hye Spirit Award from the Bishop of the Diocese for his dedication and service to the church.

With his wife Betty, during retirement they traveled the world, including a trip to Chomaklou, Turkey, which is the birth place of both their parents. They spent many years in Arizona for Spring Training.

In addition to the church, Sam was a member of the AGBU, Chomaklou Compatriotic Society, and the Knights of Vartan, where he was a 57 year member. He also served on committees for the Athletic Review & Selection for Visalia Riverway Sports Park, and the Pete Biden Statue located at Biden Field at Fresno State.

Souren Sam, who was preceded in death by his wife Betty in 2013, is survived by his children Linda Wall and her husband Mark of Visalia, Larry and his wife Wendy of Glenview, Il, Alan and his wife Marceen of Fresno; his grandsons Nickolas, Shant, Troy, and Ben; his brother John and wife Lucille of Westlake, CA; his in-laws Richard and Gerry Hagopian, John and Janet Gomes, Chuck and Suzie Simonian, and many nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at Miller Memorial Chapel in Visalia, followed by a Home Service and a Knights of Vartan service at 7:00 PM. A funeral service will be held 10:00 AM Thursday, August 3, 2017 at St. Mary Armenian Church in Yettem.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to St. Mary Armenian Church of Yettem, Kaweah Delta Hospice, or Fresno State Athletic Department.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA (559) 732-8371.