Nishon John Moorvartian

On Sunday March the 7th 2010 in Visalia, Nishon John Moorvartian, known to his friends as “Nish” and to his family as “Papa” , passed from this life due to natural causes at the age of 86. Nishon was born in Tulare County to John and Pohloon “Pearl” Moorvartian who came to America as survivors of the Armenian Genocide. He had four sisters, one brother, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. An Eagle Scout, he graduated from Visalia Union High School in 1942 then joined the US Coast Guard where he became a Quartermaster, third class. Nish served his country during World War II from 1942 to 1946. After his military service he returned to Visalia and worked mostly as a Salesman in various capacities and companies almost until the end of his life. Nish spent the last 25 years of employment at the Walnut Plaza Liquor Store located at Giddings and Walnut while simultaneously running his own White Washing Business.

He was first married to Marjorie Yerton (deceased) and had one son, John Moorvartian. He spent many years as a member of the Visalia Moose Lodge and volunteered as a cook on bingo night for 7 years. Besides being a talented story teller, he was a gifted mathematician and card player and liked to invent card games which he would teach to other people. He had a considerable vocabulary and was an accomplished crossword puzzle solver. He could also read, write, and speak the ancient Armenian language fluently. To say he was an avid sports fan would be an understatement. He watched or listened to everything sports related.

Nishon was baptized Catholic in 1942 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York while serving in the military. When he came back to Visalia, he joined St. Mary’s Church where in 1951 he became the head usher at the 10 o’clock mass and continued in that capacity until his health failed a few years ago. Even then, his fellow Ushers surrounded him with love and continued to allow Nish to do his duty to the best of his abilities until he could no longer serve. He knew and loved everyone and took his God given vocation seriously. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

It was at St. Mary’s that he met Catlyn Moore Hughes. They were later married and she lovingly cared for him to the end. Nish and Catlyn shared 10 precious years together before God called him home. He is survived by his wife Catlyn, his only son, John and his wife Donna, three grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. His grandchildren are Amber Withey married to Robert living in Missouri, Heather Aguilar married to Steve living in Visalia, Christopher Moorvartian married to Jennifer Martin living in Albany, Oregon. His great grandchildren are Nate (Nathaniel) and Brandon children of Amber; Andrew, Hunter, Jaden, and Carsen children of Heather; Brady and Evan children of Christopher. Nish was loved and he will be missed and that is the greatest accomplishment any of us can ever hope for.

A Rosary will be prayed on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at Miller Memorial Chapel of Visalia at 6:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 18, 2010 at 10:00am at Holy Family Catholic Church of Visalia.

Arrangements by Miller Memorial Chapel of Visalia

Arrangements under the direction of Miller Memorial Chapel, Visalia, CA.