Garo and I met at the University of Texas while he was pursuing his master’s degree in environmental engineering and I was an undergraduate student in the same field. We reencountered many years after in my country – Colombia, as he became senior special advisor and designer for my environmental engineering consultant company. While working together, we developed a strong friendship that lasted upon his departure to be with The Lord. I always considered Garo as my “older brother” and I was fortunate to benefit from his wisdom, his values, his faith, his leadership and most important, his kindness. During one of his multiple visits to Colombia, Garo met one of my engineers, Francia, who later became his wife and mother of two wonderful children that were raised on strong catholic principles. Garo was an outstanding family member, husband, father, and friend. I sure will miss him very much. 

Garo was a very warm and friendly man . I was inspired by his personality .  I served he, his wife and sometimes his son and daughter fish on Friday nights in Lent for many years.
I am going to miss him as it always made my night perfect when they arrived . There were  lots of smiles and hugs.                                                       I feel this man who loved God so much will be looking down on us.             May he rest in peace !!


Garo is such a respected and loved member of our community and I am honored to call him my friend. We've had so many hours of conversation through the years on faith, family, politics, work and his life experiences. Garo provided me exceptional life advice that I still carry with me to this day. Our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to Francia and the children and may God bless the entire Harutunian family.

To Garo's Family:  I had the occasion to speak with Garo a few times. He was fervent about his heritage and deeply committed to the Armenian people, as evidenced in his essential work in organizing the Austin Hye Community.
Fr. Yeprem Kelegian
Visiting Pastor to Austin

Garo  was a dear friend  and  role model for all engineers  but closer to  his heart  were the Civil Engineers as we witnessed  his work and involvement with the profession over the years .  He had a very strong faith  that was apparent in many conversations we had about  family and work and other aspects of mutual interest.  He  was very sincere about his  interests  in ASCE  at all levels and he exhibited that well  through his volunteering efforts to serve  other organizations  especially those near and dear to him like the Knights of Columbus and St Vincent de Paul Society.  I  believe we will all miss  him greatly along with his particular flavor of humor and levity  during casual moments .  
Mary and I extend our  most heartfelt and deepest sympathies and  condolences  to Francia and the  family.  
We will remember him in our prayers as he typically asked us to do.

I met Garo in 2003 working together on several civil engineering projects.  He was very kind and he had a heart of gold. When you looked into Garo's eyes, you looked into his soul. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family for strength and perseverance.

Garo had a kind heart and a wonderful soul.  He was kind and treated others with respect.  He had a way of bringing out the best in a person and one never left Garo without feeling better about themselves.  His dedication to his profession is to be admired.  His faith is a model for all of us.  I have no doubt he is sitting next to his Lord and Savior and praying for all of us.  

I think most of us have three or four people that really stand out in our lives.  Garo is certainly one of those for me. 

Rest in Peace my friend.   Vivat Jesus! 

Garo had such a grateful spirit and always helped out when anyone was in need. He provided advice and support to our engineering community, not only about engineering, but also about life and business. Francia - my love and prayers to you and your family! 

Francia, I am saddened beyond words at the passing of my dear friend Garo. Please know that in his passing he touched the lives of so many. Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
With love,
Kelly Payne and family

Garo was a wonderful mentor and friend since I came to Austin in 1995.  He recruited me into being more active with the Austin ASCE branch and was always available to provide advice and support.  Garo was a great leader in our field, but not just in a technical or professional sense.   I saw Garo as an ethical and moral leader as well.  He encouraged us to all be the best version of ourselves and consistently promoted and recognized others for their achievements.   I will dearly miss our encounters and especially the great big genuine smile he would have when we would first see each other.

Garo was a kind, gentle, and highly-evolved soul. He never waivered from his upbeat and positive disposition. He never had anything but good things to say. In fact, Garo talked about things, not about people. I liked that in him.

Garo contributed much to the engineering profession through his volunteerism and mentorship, and through his leadership by the example he set, for both young and old alike. The engineering profession hast lost a good one. His family has lost a dearly beloved one.

Francia, you and your children are in my prayers during this time of loss and sorrow. I hope the many wonderful years you had together will provide memories that last a lifetime in your hearts.

Therese Baer, PE



Mr. Harutunian was good, kind and wonderful man he was. I see him everyday at 12:00 noon. He always greets me a sweet smile and gives a hug and kisses on the forehead. And he made me feel special , treats like a granddaughter.  I'm going to miss him very dearly. But he is deeply in my heart forever. I will continue to pray and thinking of him.  I'm happy that I met him. 
I love you! 

Garo was such a special, kind and gentle person. When talking with him, he always made you feel like you were special too. Dave’s and my thoughts are with the entire Harutunian family, especially Francia, Kegham and Anne who we had the great privilege of getting to know. 

Garo was a good partner for 11 years. A person of high integrity and an outstanding engineer. Wish I could have seen him more to talk over old times. 

Garo was a kind and caring sole who left a huge imprint on the lives of many and the Civil Engineering profession.  I knew Garo thru ASCE and am a better person and engineer for having met him.  His faith and positivity have always been inspiring.  I pray he is at peace.  My sincerest condolences to the Harutunian family.

OBITUARY

Garabed Ardash Harutunian

November 12, 1942 – March 4, 2021

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