Obituary of Mr. Varoujan Koja-Oghlanian

In loving memory of Varoujan Aram Koja-Oghlanian (August 28, 1948 to June 25, 2023)

It is with deep sadness that we announce that Varoujan Aram Koja-Oghlanian (“John”, “Koja”) passed away peacefully on June 25, 2023, surrounded by his family at Scarborough Health Network - Centenary Hospital. Varoujan was a devoted husband to his wife Marita, loving father to his children (James, Natalie) and caring brother to Cetrac & family (sister-in-law Georgette, niece Mary & Sal & their kids Sebastian, Daniella, Domenica and Lucas), also caring cousin to Bedrossian and Seferian families.

Varoujan was born on August 28, 1948 in Beirut, Lebanon to his parents Aram and Aznive Koja-Oghlanian (Kurunian) — both of whom were survivors of the Armenian Genocide. He attended high school at Shamlian-Tatigian in Bourj Hammoud & later graduated from Haddad High School in Beirut.

Following his high school education, he went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts in History from the American University of Beirut. He then immigrated to Canada in 1974 and began his long career at the Canadian Pacific Railway as a machinist, where he worked for 38 years. Outside of work, he was deeply passionate about classical music, politics, and languages — speaking five different languages (English, Armenian, Arabic, Turkish, some French).

We were truly fortunate to have cherished every single day we shared with Varoujan. His wisdom, sense of humour, and kindness enriched our lives beyond measure. He motivated his children to pursue their aspirations through education. He brought joy to everyone he knew — from close family, friends, coworkers to everyone he’d meet.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers at Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital (in addition to other hospitals in the GTA) for their support during Varoujan’s battle with cancer.

The ceremony will be held at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church (45 Hallcrown Pl) on July 4, 2023 at 10 AM (visitation), 11 AM (ceremony) followed by burial at York Cemetery (near Yonge & Sheppard) Section 25, Lot 789. After the burial, lunch at the church community centre.

To honour Varoujan’s memory, donations can be made to:

-The Canadian Cancer Society

-St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church

-AMAC* (Armenian Missionary Association of Canada) at https://www.amacnews.org/ 
*Note: for donations to AMAC please mention that the donation is for the Students Daily Lunch Program at Shamlian-Tatigian school in Lebanon.