Harutun Hratchian's Obituary
Harutun (Richard) Hratchian, 90, of St. Clair, passed away May 13, 2008, in his home after a short illness, surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 5, 1918, in Khapan, Armenia, married Arew Kilikian in 1948, and has been a resident of St. Clair since 1954.
Mr. Hratchian was a WWII veteran, having served in the Soviet Army as a Calvary Commander. He was taken prisoner by German forces while fighting in Poland, and escaped from a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp. He eventually found his way to France, where he served in the French Underground Resistance Movement until the end of the war. He and his wife lived in Marseilles, France, from 1948 until 1951. They arrived in the United States with two young sons in December, 1951, aboard the Queen Elizabeth. They moved to St. Clair in 1954, where Mr. Hratchian spent 22 years at Diamond Crystal Salt Company, retiring in May, 1980. His Armenian heritage and his family meant everything to him. He loved walking, photography, woodworking and tending to his vegetable garden. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Arew, his two sons, Ararat of Port Huron, Hrant (Michelle) of St. Clair, and daughter Vartush (Robert) Platzer; two grandsons, Hrant (Michelle) of Bloomington, IN, and Armen (fiancé Emily Hammerbacher) of New York; two great-granddaughters, Hannah and Abigail; and many relatives who still reside in Armenia, England and USA. He was preceded in death by his son, Hiak, his brother, Hrant, and nephew, Hratch. Many thanks and appreciation to Dr. Thomas Wayne of St. Clair, St. John’s Hospice staff, and to his loving and compassionate caregiver, Patricia Neil, for their devoted and excellent care throughout the final weeks of his life. Visitation will be 5-8 pm Thursday, 2–4 and 6–8 pm Friday in Friederichs and Son Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, May17, 2008, in Friederichs and Son Funeral Home, by the Honorable Reverend Daron Stepanian of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, Dearborn.
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