MARTY KANAYAN WALKED IN DAD’S FOOTSTEPS
By Tom Vartabedian
Armenian Weekly
January 28, 2010
HOUSTON, Texas-Growing up on the streets of Watertown, Mass., Mardiros
(Martin) Kanayan was his father’s keeper.
As the proud son of Armenian freedom fighter General Dro Kanayan,
he had big shoes to fill. At AYF Conventions, he served as a leader
and worthy ambassador for his peers. At demonstrations and other
political gatherings, his Armenian was impeccable. His demeanor was
one of respect and admiration.
Wherever Marty Kanayan ventured, the image of his famous Dad-the man
who instigated the fight for liberation while leading the charge at
Bash Abaran and Karakilese during the genocide-was sure to follow.
"My father had a deep feeling of national pride toward the Armenian
nation," said Marty’s son, Dro. "Two of his greatest moments in life
were when he saw Armenia become independent in 1991 and returning
his father’s [General Dro Kanayan’s] remains to the homeland."
"My father was also a proud American military veteran, believing we
live in the greatest country of the world," his son continued. "He
used his success in America to help the Armenian nation."
Marty Kanayan died on Dec. 26 after celebrating Christmas with his
family by his side. He was 71 and maintained an active Armenian
American lifestyle in Texas before taking ill several years ago.
He was born in Bucharest, Romania, son of the late Gayane and Dro
Kanayan, and also lived in Germany, Italy, and Lebanon before settling
in Watertown in 1951 at the age of 13.
He graduated from Northeastern University and served with the Army
Signal Corps. He was employed by Shell Oil Company in sales and
marketing and as an economist in Shell’s Pecten International before
retiring in 1997.
Marty took an active interest in the Republic of Armenia. In 1998, he
was invited to attend the 80th anniversary of the First Independent
Republic, at which time the Armenian government asked to have his
father’s remains exhumed and reburied in Abaran.
Two years later, he and his family, including his mother (a
centenarian), realized that dream. Gayane Kanayan taught orphaned
Armenian children and supported many refugees escaping from communism
who found their way to Romania. She continued her mission with the
ARS and helped establish the Sophia Hagopian Endowment and the "Bnag
Meh Geragoor" fund to support underprivileged Armenians throughout
the world.
"The reception my father received from the Armenian government and
people moved him deeply," said the son. "Growing up, Dad always
understood the importance of Dro’s legacy and tried to continue his
ideals of protecting and supporting the people, both in Armenia and
the diaspora. It was a responsibility he maintained with dignity
throughout his life."
Like his father, Marty was a lifelong member of the ARF and assisted
many organizations like the Armenia Fund. He organized a committee
to help a girl from Armenia receive medical treatment in Houston.
He remained active in the Armenian community, continuing his support of
the ARF and other Armenian organizations, and making a number of visits
to the homeland with a caring and benevolent hand extended. He helped
start an Armenian Political Action Group in Houston and continued
helping the country on a national level by advising on different
projects that erupted.
In the outside world, Marty enjoyed a friendly game of golf and
followed the sports scene closely.
"Dad was always a person who fought for what he believed," said
Philip, a second son. "He didn’t believe people should be complacent
and tried to encourage Armenians to stay involved, even if they were
removed. He loved his wife with all his heart and in his waning years,
continued taking cruises with her because he felt she needed the
relaxation time."
On more than one occasion, they were aboard the Costa Mediterranean
for the Armenian Heritage Cruise, mingling with one Armenian passenger
after another whether Marty knew them or not. He was easily one of
the more popular guests on board, given his lineage and notoriety.
Though his health became tenuous at the end, Marty never failed to
reflect upon the positive side.
"There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for his wife Alice and two sons,"
said the younger Dro. "He worked to provide for his family and we
never had to worry about things. Dad would roll out the red carpet
with a white horse and carriage for his wife."
Marty wed the former Alice Daghlian in 1967, the gal he had met from
the Watertown AYF who was the sister of his best friend Lee. In
addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three brothers,
Luther, Suren, and Gourgen, leaving behind a sister, Olga Proudian
of Watertown; his only grandchild, Grace; two daughters-in-law,
Lynn and Catherine Grace; and several nieces and nephews.
The 2000 project to return General Dro’s remains to his homeland
turned into an extravaganza of sorts at Mount Auburn Cemetery where
the body had rested. Prominent Armenian and American officials were
on hand for the occasion in what turned into a memorable event.
"When the government discussed the idea, they wanted to erect a
memorial statue for my grandfather," said the younger Dro. "He had
wanted to be buried in his homeland among his people but due to the
politics at the time, his wishes went unanswered."
But Marty knew his Dad may have relented at such a public spectacle.
It was more about helping the people, not about statues and monuments.
Marty finally conceded and worked with the Republic of Armenia to
develop the current memorial in Abaran, towering over the countryside
as a beacon of glory for motorists and mountaineers alike.
Marty also worked diligently in establishing the General Dro Institute
where memorial contributions may be made: Armenia Fund USA, Inc.,
80 Maiden Lane, Suite 301, New York, NY 10038.
"One of the last things he said to me was the ultimate praise any son
would want to hear," Dro concluded. "He told me what a wonderful job
I was doing in raising my daughter Gracie. That meant a lot to me."
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress