Arthur Apkarian

Arthur John Apkarian (known affectionately by his friends as “ATF”) passed away on Tuesday September 19, 2023 at the age of 84. He was born in Grand Rapids on October 13, 1938 to the late Moses and Adrienna Ohanessian Apkarian. 

Art will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 64 years, Mary Roberts Apkarian, daughter Laura Apkarian Anderson, son David (Betsey) Apkarian; grandchildren Aaron Andree, Tessa Rose, Noah Anderson, David Apkarian, James Apkarian; nieces and nephews Gregory Kerkorian, Ruthalyce Kuziak Davis, Joan Pluim Raffenaud, Diane Apkarian, Wilson Apkarian, Kathi Apkarian Lehman, Mark Perlos, Pam Perlos, Alex Perlos, and Rochelle Grandon-Apkarian, their children and grandchildren, and his best friend of 81 years Dennis Duimstra. Art was preceded in death by his sisters Queen Apkarian Kerkorian, Betty Apkarian Kuziak, Alice Apkarian Menzies, Ruth Apkarian Perlos and brother Wilson Apkarian.

Art loved spending time with his family. His favorite pastime was sharing his generosity with his children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren by taking them to the store and buying them “prizes.” As for himself, Art’s favorite “prizes” usually involved indulging his profound sweet tooth. Most who know him loved his famous homemade caramel corn, and we all know his affinity for chocolate everything.

Art enjoyed taking his family boating on fishing and snorkeling outings and flying his airplane to wherever his friends and family were. A wonderful athlete in his younger years, Art ran track for Michigan State and even held some records. His love for kids made him a terrific 7th grade math teacher at East Grand Rapids Junior High for a number of years before he went into business. Art (and Mary) also coached 12 different teams when their children were in sports growing up.

ATF was always on the lookout for opportunities to crack a joke. His eyes would sparkle and the one liners would fly (Les Lindsay you know who you are). A skilled business mind, Art founded Great Lakes Fluid Power in 1970. Art had a deep faith in God that brought him much peace and joy and encouraged his ability to show love and understanding for anyone around him. A life long trumpet player, Art started a band called the Mello Tones in the late 1950s, and after he was married he would accompany his wife Mary on the piano, entertaining guests to their home. In later years his specialty on the trumpet was playing “Amazing Grace” over the balcony on Sunday mornings, much to the enjoyment of anyone fortunate enough to hear. Art was a loving and fun husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend who will be greatly missed. May his melody carry on.

Visitation will be held at the Metcalf and Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Thursday, September 28th from 3-6pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Armenian National Committee.

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