Christy Ardavanis

Christy Ardavanis, age 79 of Sun City, California entered eternal rest on Monday, October 15, 2012. He entered life Thursday, August 3, 1933, in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the son of the late Athenatheus Ardavanis and the late Francis Previs Ardavanis.

Christy was an Army veteran of Korea. Following his return to civilian life he began a 53 year career selling Cadillac automobiles. Many of those years were spent at Martin Cadillac and Beverly Hills Cadillac.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Vivian Phillipps and 2 brothers, Jerome Ardavanis and George Ardavanis.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joan Ardavanis; 2 sons, Scott Ardavanis and Steven Ardavanis; daughter, Tracy Dodson; brother, Edward Ardavanis; sister, Caroline Ardavanis and 16 grandchildren.

The family suggests you remember Christy with a donation in his memory to: Faith Bible Church, C/O John Pleasnick, 23661 Angel Place, Murrieta, CA 92562 OR Hope Hospice & Health Care, 29798 Haun Road, Sun City, CA 92586

The way the Lord works in every individual life is unique. We know from the scriptures that from Him, through Him and to Him are all things, yet He cares about the individual lives that He redeems and always tells their story. So this is the story of one we love, a man God saved.

Christy Ardavanis was born August 3, 1933 in Baltimore, Maryland to Athanasious and Frances Ardavanis. Chris was fourth in a family of six children. When he was 8 years old, he and his family moved from Maryland to Ocean Park near Santa Monica, California. The family owned a beachfront restaurant called "The Spaghetti House", and lived in an apartment above it. The kids have fond memories of relaxing on the beach and working in the restaurant. Chris was often seen outside in a white apron, selling Coca-Cola to thirsty customers. Even then, Chris was known for looking nice. His sister Carolyn describes him always looking in the mirror to comb his hair, a habit which he maintained his entire life!

As Chris grew older, he attended Santa Monica High School where he played football. After high school Chris served in the army during the Korean War. He was on the front lines. One old photo shows Chris and another soldier posing with cigars and assault rifles. Upon returning from Korea, he attended Santa Monica City College and Los Angeles State College where he again played football and studied physical education.

In 1958 Chris began dating the beautiful Joan Dunlap and the two were married on June 4th, 1960. Soon the family began to grow with the additions of Steve, Scott, and Tracy. Chris loved his family, and loved spending time and vacationing with his family. Some of their favorite activities were camping, house-boating, and fishing. Steve, Scott and Tracy have many happy memories and hilarious stories of the times spent together, some of which can be found on the home videos filmed by Chris. Chris had an amazing work ethic and faithfully provided for his family. He worked most of his life selling Cadillacs for Martin Cadillac and Beverly Hills Cadillac.

In 1971, something happened to Chris that was to change the course of his life and that of his wife, children and grandchildren. He and the family began attending Canoga Baptist Church where he heard that the Bible was the Word of God and that he was a sinner who needed a Savior. He acknowledged Christ as His Lord and became a new person! Within days, Joan also gave her life to Christ. They soon began attending Grace Community Church and grew tremendously under the teaching of John MacArthur. Chris became involved in various ministries of the church, teaching new believers in the Fundamentals of the Faith class, and serving as a small group leader in the adult Sunday school classes. This passion for the Lord and for the local church has been passed down to the entire family.

In coming to Christ, Chris became more of the person God created him to be. He reflected the Lord in his unique individual personality and always loved to talk about the Lord. He would often talk about the moment he knew the Word of God was the truth. He was contagious in his amazement at the power and might of God's awesome creation. He was especially fascinated by the earth's gravitational pull, the uncharted depths of the oceans, and the countless stars and galaxies where God displays His glory.

Those who know Chris will miss him greatly; his encouragement, his style and his sense of humor. He was a one of a kind, fun, wonderful man. He was a faithful father and husband and wonderful provider. He was a true friend to his grandchildren who all love and admire him. So this is the end of the story as we know it, but not the end for Chris. It is only the beginning of a new story that we can't even begin to imagine.