Obituary: ARAKELYN, AVETIK

1 Comment | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Aug 30, 2009

Avik "Eric" Avetik Arakelyan

1/15/1983 ~ 8/12/2009

Our beloved old friend: Avetik, "Avik," Eric Amodeo," "Baby Gia," Arakelyan, was born in Moscow, Russia January 15th, 1983. Avik's journey in this life came to an end August 12th 2009 in Logan, Utah.

Avik had a shy yet outward personality with overwhelming charisma. It is an honor to be among the lucky ones he allowed to be "let-in" to his world and idiosyncrasies. An easy going individual, he enjoyed hanging out with friends, laughing, learning the names to every kid in his complex, dancing to all kinds of music, and was deeply passionate about his modeling career. With broken English, Avik would tell you how amazing he was. He was a model, an

artist, a beautiful eccentric.

Fashion was a part of his soul. Avik's modeling career began at the age of 13 and took him to places like Armenia, Russia, Estonia, France, Italy, Germany, Finland, Spain, Holland and the US. He was loved and cherished by many people all over the world years in the modeling /fashion Industry started to take its toll. After coming to the conclusion that "beauty is a blessing, and

furthermore a curse," Avik decided he wanted to see more from life. Moving to the USA in 1999, he was excited to start a new life; and a new education.

Avik appreciated opportunity to the fullest. Becoming a US citizen in 2002, he worked very hard furthering his education. His keen intellect and thirst for knowledge could never be quenched. He graduated from SLCC with high honors, and continued to receive his Bachelor's degree in Communications, with emphasis on Argumentation and Decision Making from the University Of Utah. It was only a few short months ago he received a grant to go back to school for his Master's. "I want to work with the kids," He'd say; and he was well on his way.

In his 26 years, our sweet Avik experienced more than most in a lifetime. What others might use as excuses to fail, Avik not only overcame but did so with a giggling grin on his face. All while making sure the person sitting next to him had food to eat, a shoulder to cry on, and a shining smile to brighten their day. He would do anything for a friend, and was quick to notice the small things.

Avik knew his future was what he made it. He lived everyday to the fullest and appreciated the everyday things we seem to take for granted. "You just don't get it," he would say. To something as small as not telling "Mommy" I love you, with a hug and a kiss, EVERY time you see her. He never missed a Mother's day. And we know he will be sending his hugs and kisses every year to those that touched his heart.

His Smile - Contagious. One that can not be forgotten. His Love - Unconditional. That should be a lesson for all. His Friendship - a Blessing. The kind most only dream of. Thank you for teaching us all the true meaning of compassion.

"I'm light as a feather, I'll go wherever the wind takes me." Avik will be remembered for the undeniable joy he brought to the many people fortunate enough to cross his path. He has now joined another family and we know he will keep them smiling just as he did in this life. You truly are an angel, a gift from God. And will continue to be in our hearts forever.

A tree planting ceremony in celebration of Avik's Life will be held Sunday Aug. 30th 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Hatch Park: 50 W. Center St., North Salt Lake Utah 84054.

In lieu of flowers, an account has been opened - Avik "Eric Amadeo" Arakelyan Memorial Fund - at Wells Fargo Back to help with expenses.

Special Thanks to Reg and Jamae at Garner Funeral Home. www.rememberavik.org