Karnie Harry Tutunjian

Karnie Tutunjian was one lucky guy.

He had two daughters, Michelle, and Kendra, with whom he shared much love, laughter, and joy. He was happy because he had three beautiful and engaging grandchildren-Zaradonna, Meliq and Misho—who lived internationally; however, that did not dissuade his close relationships with each of them. He was privileged to have a younger brother, Robert “Bobby”, as his lifelong best friend and business partner (45+ years) who stood by his side through the good times and the bad. He was blessed with a mother, Alice, who was loving and kind; and her sisters, Florence, Lilly, and Lillian, rounded out his world, and were ever present, like clockwork.

He stayed active in his community of Fresno where he lived his entire life. Karnie played football at Bullard High School and loved supporting his alma mater, Fresno State, in both basketball and football. Karnie was a loyal supporter of the Bulldog Foundation. He embodied the spirit of the “Red Wave,” as no one wore the Fresno State red sweater, shirt or cap with more panache. He was also a longtime member of the Selma Chapter of the Triple X Fraternity, where he made lasting friendships.

He had an easy sense of humor. Rain or shine, he could be relied upon to see the funny side of life, even when things got pretty dark and somber. He could carry on a conversation with almost anybody if he wanted to do so; and he could make you think you were really an important person, even though he had just met you.

Although he liked his routines, Karnie was also adaptable. His ability to adjust to circumstances was a propitious quality he learned from his years as a rancher, farmer and entrepreneur. Life—like farming—is a gamble and Karnie knew that sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose. He endured great heartaches and sorrows, but he was never vanquished. He somehow kept hope alive. He found a way of creating new happiness despite the many tragedies he suffered. Karnie was fortunate because he understood the only way forward was to get on with the business of life. Each Fall, you could find him at the Big Fresno Fair, either in the Grandstands watching the horses cross the finish line or listening to a live concert. Karnie was always full of life.

Good fortune stayed with Karnie until his sudden end. He had just enjoyed a wonderful Father’s Day in Carmel and Monterey with his daughter Michelle. The week before he died, he visited the Central Coast, gambling at one of his favorite haunts, and also enjoyed time by the Pacific Ocean with his long-time friend, JoAnn. The Pacific Ocean always gave him a chance to rejuvenate, to relax and enjoy being alive—and maybe even get in some fishing! While at the Coast, he took the chance to visit his Aunt Florence and Uncle Alex in Pismo Beach. There he eagerly spoke of his plans to spend the summer with his daughters and his delightful grandchildren, including their annual trip to Santa Cruz. He had also just gotten his hair cut. There was no pain, no drawn out illness, no debilitating decline for Karnie—no, there was none of that woe. With a nod of his head, he was gone. His departure from this world was about as good as anybody could have wanted.

Karnie Tutunjian really was one lucky guy.

Karnie Tutunjian is survived with love by his daughters, Michelle and Kendra Tutunjian, his loyal son-in-law Avetik "Avo" Avetyan, his brother and sister-in-law Robert and Ani Tutunjian, his grandchildren, Zaradonna, Meliq, and Misho; his aunt and uncle, Florence and Alex Camany, his in-laws the extended Aveytan family; nieces Tiffany and Stephanie, and their husbands, Todd Williams and Chuck Der Manouel and their families; and cousins from the Holmes, Camany and Bekerian families.

Karnie is proceeded in death by his parents, Harry and Alice Tutunjian, his beloved wife of 37 years Donna Lee Tutunjian, and his second wife, Marilyn “Punky” Tutunjian.

Remembrances may be made in honor of Karnie to Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church at 3673 N. First Street, Fresno, CA 93726.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Tutunjian family.

DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS, SERVICES WILL BE PRIVATE.

Words of Remembrance from Zaradonna Avetyan, Age 14, Karnie's Granddaughter:

"Karnie Tutunjian, where do I start? Let’s start with the facts: He was born and raised in Fresno, California, He was a beloved brother to Uncle Bobby and an amazing son to Grandpa Harry. He was a farmer. He fell in love with an amazing person: my grandma Donna, He had two beautiful and successful daughters, and he then had me, Mello, and Misho. I didn’t realize how important we were to him until now. When I first heard the news I was still in shock. I cried, of course, but It didn’t feel real. But the closer we got to his house the more I realized the truth. He wasn’t there to greet us at the airport with his usual pack of M&M’s He wasn’t driving his super fancy Mercedes Benz and when I walked into his house, I finally realized. He’s not gonna show up. He’s not gonna welcome me back home with open arms. When I went to sleep in his house, I laid in bed staring at the door expecting him to come in, his gentle voice asking how we are and if we’re comfortable. The glasses on his head, the hazel eyes, the everything. Just him. Tucking me in at night in my covers. There were pictures of us all over his house. He loved us. He always did.

He facetimes us all the time. I don’t even remember what last thing I said to him was. My postcard from Maine was on the fridge. It made me feel like I should have gotten him more, sent him more. He also ate some of the taffy we gave him for father’s day. It’s so weird without him. People say that he adored me. But I also adored him. He was the only person who understood me in some ways that others couldn’t. I didn’t realize that either, until this year.

We had so many traditions. We got M &M's when he picked us up after a flight, we went to go get doughnuts every morning, We went to Santa Cruz every summer, We went fishing on the pier, and we fed ducks in the park. I remember there was one stormy night. The power went out and grandpa and I sat in the dining room with candles all around us. I talked and talked and all he ever did was listen. He listened and listened and listened. He was a great listener. Maybe he loved listening to me talk or maybe he enjoyed what I was talking about. Maybe he didn’t even know what I was talking about and he just nodded in agreement.

Uncle Bobby told me that I can’t hold it in. It’s bad for you and it’ll make you sick on the inside. If you feel like crying, you gotta cry. If you feel like screaming, then you gotta scream. The more grandpa and I talked on Facetime the more he told me that I sounded older. I also got my braces off. He didn’t get to see me with my braces off in person. He only saw my shoulders up. I kept on expecting to hear his voice one last time or to hear his laugh. I even tried to smell his clothes to try and smell his scent, but of course they’re all perfectly cleaned so the only thing I smelled is a new clothes smell. I guess nothing will be like the real thing.

The worst part was that we had so many plans. We were supposed to go to Santa Cruz together, Go fishing, tell funny stories, get doughnuts, He was gonna show us his new house, He was supposed to see me graduate, become a fashion designer, supposed to see Mello during a football game, Misho driving a car. So much. It is so devastating knowing he won’t be in the future. But it makes me happy knowing that he was able to be in our past. He isn’t gone. His spirit is not only with God, but in all of our hearts. He’s watching over us and protecting us. He’s probably gonna say: “Mess with the Bull, You’ll get the horns.” to every boy I break up with. The good thing is that he died in peace. He was calm and relaxed. He’s in heaven resting with God. Resting with his parents, Grandma Donna, and Punkey. His love and kindness will always be remembered.

Now it’s time for me to say something I never wanted to say to anyone. Even though we will see grandpa again one day. We’ll join him with the stars in heaven and with God. It’s time. We love you and we miss you and you will never ever be forgotten. I love you more than the Eggos with Nutella you always gave me for breakfast and more than the Giant Dipper. I love you, I love you, I love you.

And I’ll love you forever.

Goodbye Grandpa, until we see each other again.

Your granddaughter, Zaradonna."