Dennis N. Torigian

Our immensely beloved Dennis Torigian passed away suddenly on May 10, 2016 at St. Agnes Medical Center. With deepest heartfelt sorrow and shock we have lost an extraordinary Father, Life Partner, Cousin, Friend, Mentor, Humanitarian, Businessman, Farmer, ardent student of Armenian History as well as gourmet cook.

Dennis was a remarkable man with many talents and achievements. He was the type of person people admired for his work ethic, integrity, brilliant mind and beautiful heart. His passing is a tremendous loss to so many. Dennis was truly a great man, someone to look up to. He was the grandson of Armenian and Volga German immigrants. He was 72 years old.

Just last week he was working in his vineyard, smoking salmon for Mother's Day, enjoying life and making plans for the future. He had been working with fellow school mates planning their next High School reunion. He retained many lifelong friendships, each and every one dear to his heart.

Dennis was a graduate of Reedley High School and UC Davis University where he earned a Masters Degree in Economics. After graduation Dennis spent many years in Bakersfield working in the capacity of COO for Getty Oil Co and Texaco's Minnehoma Land and Farm Co. and related Agri Business Investments. Dennis also assisted in the development of Bronco Winery near Kerman and was responsible for planting many thousand acres of Pistachio and Almond Orchards in Kern County.

He later returned to the Fresno area to farm his vineyards in Kerman and to develop his beautiful river front estate property which also became sanctuary for homeless dogs abandoned in the countryside. At the time of his passing he cared for seven dogs and loved them all, especially his close companion Bingo. He would spoil them with love and affection, proper medical care and huge bones that he would purchase from a Butcher and cook for their enjoyment. The dogs had heated beds in the winter and a swimming pool in the summer. He was a true animal lover.

Dennis also formed a Fresno based non profit, Housing and Supportive Services of Fresno (www.hassfresno.org) in 1998 to provide permanent housing and on site support services to adults with chronic and severe mental illness. Dennis took such good care of those he loved, he always went the extra mile, never one to do anything half measure, he was first class in every way and a truly benevolent soul. In September of 2015 Dennis was awarded the Disability Advisory Commission 2015 Achievement Award for his development and continued support of Housing and Supportive Services of Fresno, he also served as a past President for Kerman Rotary and assisted in the formation of NAMI Fresno.

He had read over 700 books and published two books translated from Armenian to English by dear friends Charles Moushigian and Jane Knar Lanas regarding early Armenian settlers in the Fresno area. It was important to him to help preserve local Armenian history for future generations in effort to honor his heritage and to show respect of the sacrifices made by those before him.

Dennis was preceded by his parents, Nish Torigian and Martha Briggs; and his sister Kathleen Torigian.

Dennis is survived by his beloved son, Brian Torigian; former wife and mother of his son, Shelia Suvanto; cousins, Teri and Doug May; and life partner, Laura Blaise; as well as many cherished friends. Dennis will be missed beyond measure.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Sunday, May 15, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be held at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, on May 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.

A Graveside Service will be held at El Carmelo Cemetery in Pacific Grove, on Friday, May 20, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to www.hassfresno.org or 17958 W Shaw Ave, Kerman, CA 93630