Jack B. Kazanjian, 86, went to be with the Lord October 23, 2009. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary, of 60 years, his daughter Eileen and husband Robert Douglas of Corvallis, OR, grandson Ryan and wife Rebecca Douglas of Corvallis, granddaughter Madeline and husband Andrew Martin of Gilroy, CA, and great-grandchildren Michael, Cody, and Kayla Martin. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Carole Kazanjian of Santa Clara, CA and JoAnn Davison of Berkeley Heights, NJ.
Jack was born and raised in Tientsin, China. His parents brought him to this country in 1936, a year or so prior to the full-scale invasion of China by Japan. He graduated from San Mateo High School in 1942. He served over three years in the army, part of the time in Europe. Later, he graduated from U. C., Berkeley with a degree in Business Administration. In 1954, after moving his family to Gilroy, he opened up an accounting partnership practice, from which he retired in 1979. From 1978 through the year 2000, he was an external underwriter, known as a “Name”, for Lloyds of London.
In his retirement years, Jack served on the board and was treasurer of several non¬profit organizations. He was a member of the Gilroy Gliders Square Dance club for over 50 years. Fiscally and politically, Jack was a radical conservative and a life-time member of the John Birch Society. From 1968 to 1972, he served on the recently unified Gilroy School District Board, the last two years as chairman. More recently he was noted for his adamant opposition to the adoption of an RDA by the City of Gilroy.
Jack was a faithful member of Beth-EI Baptist Church, Morgan Hill, for 27 years since its beginning, serving as a deacon, treasurer, and chairman of the board. He was also a life member of the American Legion Post 217.
Having a slight flair for adventure, Jack loved to hike, and on his 40th birthday he hiked to the top of Mt. Tallac at Lake Tahoe. Later, he rode in a glider, learned to surf in Hawaii, and even para-sailed in Mexico. At 60, he learned to ski, and for his 70th birthday he enjoyed a ride in a hot air balloon.
Jack Kazanjian will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were especially fond of his interest in teaching them through stories, songs, and poems. He had recently taken on teaching his great-grandson Chinese and piano. A lifelong student at heart, his passion for learning was obvious to all in every area of his life, and he never tired of reading more books and learning new things. He especially enjoyed traveling with his wife Mary, particularly to Lake Tahoe, where they had honeymooned.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, November 7, 2009 – 12:00 Noon at the Willow Springs Manor, 1978 Willow Springs Rd, Morgan Hill. Interment will be a private family gathering at Gavilan Hills Memorial Park on October 30th, 2009. Family would appreciate donations to Beth-EI Baptist Church in Jack’s memory.
