Sam Erwin Ohannesian

Erwin Ohannesian who grew up in Kingsburg, California and relocated to Cambria, California upon retirement in 2006 passed away quietly on September 29,2024 in Morro Bay California. He was born in Fresno, California to Sam Martin Ohannesian and Sybil Helen Clearman (Hovnanian). Erwin was raised primarily by his mother Sybil Clearman and stepfather Jack Clearman who loved and supported him greatly. His father Sam and stepmother Helen Ohannesian were important figures in his life. An only child, he was close to his paternal grandparents who came to the United States as a result of the Presbyterian Church of Boston's efforts to help the Armenian people in escaping the genocide of the Armenian people. He enjoyed much time with grandparents Haiganosh and Vahan Hovnanian as well as his uncles Warren Hovnanian and Albert Hovnanian. Erwin graduated from Kingsburg High School in 1954. He attended California State University Fresno from 1954-1956, leaving to raise a family and work in Kingsburg. In 1960 he accepted a position with the Fresno County Department of Public Works where he worked as a civil engineer from 1960-1991. Erwin returned to work for the county post-retirement as an engineering consultant for Fresno County Council of Government for many years until moving to Cambria upon retiring fully in 2006. Erwin was able to put his career experience to use in the community when he was appointed to the Kingsburg City Planning Commission in 1972, going on to serve as the chairperson for 20 years from 1986-2006. He continued to enjoy contributing to his community in retirement by serving on the North Coast Advisory Council, representing an area of Cambria from 2008-2013, as well as serving on the San Luis Obispo Civil Service Commission for a time. A member of the Armenian Presbyterian Church in Kingsburg until it was disbanded due to the overreaching consequences of the UFW conflict. He later attended the First Armenian Presbyterian Church in Fresno until moving from the valley in 2006. In later years he was an active member and enjoyed serving the community at Cambria Community Presbyterian Church in Cambria, California. Erwin enjoyed traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends. A member who also served as the President of Kingsburg Golf and Country Club, where he was quick to point out that it never rained, he enjoyed golfing with friends and most especially his son Steve. He also enjoyed spending time with Steve following his favorite sports teams including the LA Rams, attending many Rams games in Los Angeles in the 60's and 70's. Not only was Erwin a big fan of the Rams, he personally knew many players and ownership. He was always ready to have a chat with friends with whom he enjoyed sharing his experiences and views of the world. Preceded in death by his father Sam Martin Ohannesian and stepmother Helen Ohannesian, mother Sybil Helen Clearman and stepfather Jack Clearman . He is survived by wife Betty Lou Ohannesian (Leisinger), son Steve Ohannesian, daughter Karyn Eremeyeff, son-in-law Alex Eremeyeff, grandchildren Meghan Eremeyeff, Hannah Friberg, Jordan Eremeyeff, Daniel Eremeyeff and great-grandchild Ryker Friberg. Celebration Of Life services will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, November 21st, 2024 at Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel, 1588 Lincoln Street, Kingsburg immediately followed by inurnment at the Kingsburg Cemetery, 12782 E. Clarkson Avenue, Kingsburg. In lieu of flowers the family asks for contributions from Kingsburg family and friends to go to the First Armenian Presbyterian Church in Fresno.First Armenian Presbyterian Church in Fresno. Memorial service for those in the Cambria area will be held at Cambria Community Presbyterian Church, Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 11am. Date and time to follow. In lieu of flowers the family asks for contributions from those in the Cambria area to go to the Cambria Community Presbyterian Church .

Sam Erwin Ohannesian

February 17, 1937 - September 29, 2024