Dennis Wayne Safarjian

Denny Safarjian July 16, 1947 - January 1, 2025 Dennis "Denny" Safarjian was a true Kingsburg native through and through. Born and raised in Kingsburg, Denny's heart always belonged to his hometown. He found joy in the simplest of pleasures-whether cheering on the Kingsburg High School Vikings at a football game, a basketball game, or a water polo meet, he lived to support his community and its youth. The middle child of Hront and Sue Safarjian, Denny was deeply influenced by his parents' dedication to family and community. From a young age, he embraced an active life, earning the prestigious Diamond Star award as a member of the Oakvale 4-H Club and playing sports like Little League Baseball and Lumpy Lions Football. At Kingsburg High School, Denny was a member of the Block K, class officer, football and baseball player, and a cast member in numerous school plays. Farming was an integral part of Denny's life. Early on, he worked at Aslan's Packing and Del Monte in the summers. After attending Reedley College and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Denny returned to Kingsburg to continue his family's farming legacy, working at Safarjian Farms before eventually purchasing and running his own operation in the Traver and Hanford areas. Denny's commitment to giving back to his community knew no bounds. He founded the Basketball Boosters, supported the Fresno State Bulldog Foundation, and was an active member of the Kingsburg Cancer Volunteers-an organization started by his mother. For 15 years, he played Santa at Valley Children's Hospital, bringing smiles to countless young faces. Whether tutoring at KCAPS, volunteering on the KHS football Chain Gang, learning sign language to help a friend with Down Syndrome, or cooking for the Xlinti Cooking Group to raise KHS scholarship funds, Denny lived a life of quiet generosity and dedication. In recognition of his remarkable dedication of time and philanthropy, Denny was honored by the Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce as Kingsburg's Citizen of the Year in 1983. Beyond his community work, Denny was a kind and humble person, who preferred reading to television (unless a good sporting event was on) and would rather donate his time and resources than seek the spotlight. He embodied the old-fashioned values of hard work, humility, and selflessness. Denny passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025, at the age of 77. To celebrate Denny's life, an open house will be held on Saturday, January 25, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Safarjian's Family Home on Avenue 396. The family kindly requests donations be made to Kingsburg Cancer Volunteers or your favorite charity, continuing Denny's legacy of giving. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel. Memorial Tribut and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.