Leonard V Kulhanjian's Obituary
Leonard Vahan Kulhanjian was born May 20, 1930. His parents were Karekin Kulhanjian and Serpouhi (Hachmanian) Kulanjian. Both his parents were Armenian. Separately they had immigrated to America where they met, married and settled in Detroit. Leonard was the youngest of their 3 sons.
Leonard's lifelong appreciation for the game of Golf was earned and learned In High School as a caddy at the local country club.
At 17, Leonard joined the Air Force as a Photographer right out of High School. Just as he was completing his commitment in the Air Force the Korean War started and he was drafted into the Army. He was sent to Korea to fight. Leonard was wounded twice while in Korea. The first time he was wounded he returned to the front after only two days. A couple of months later, he almost lost his eyesight when a bomb exploded near him. He was hospitalized and was honorably discharged.
Leonard wrote, "I believe I have lived a full life. I did about 5 years in the military. I was shot at and missed, pooped at and hit. I am lucky to have my eyesight."
Leonard received a Purple Heart, a bronze star and a couple of other badges for his combat
service during the Korean War.
I don't know why Leonard came from Detroit to live in San Diego, but he did and he met my Mom. After a whirlwind day at the park, they asked me, a 10 year old, if I had any objections to them getting married. I had no objections and, in fact, I was amazed that my opinion mattered.
Years later they asked me if I would like to have a little brother or sister. I said "NO" and they didn't have any.
Leonard and Mom, as a couple, were a bit unconventional and a little quirky. TOGETHER, they lead separate lives. Their interests, which they actively pursued, were markedly different. I think what made it work was that they supported and respected the others interests without participating. Somehow, they were just right for each other. Week nights would find them playing the TV game show "Jeopardy" with Alex Trebek. Saturdays they enjoyed the nostalgic music of Lawrence Welk
Leonard wrote, "I was married for 62 years. My wife, Margaret M. Kulhanjian died when she was 92. Had an accident and couldn't recover. We didn't have any children but she already had Andi so it was ok."
Leonard was a "doer". He was physically out there doing things, going places, meeting people. He would strike up a conversation with anyone and people responded. I think it was because he had an open, honest curiosity and appreciation that made people let down their guard and open up to him.
The word DEDICATED comes to mind when I think of Leonard. Leonard whole heartedly dedicated himself to so many things it is hard to list them all.
Leonard donated over 35 gallons of blood over his lifetime He was a Super Donor. I needed a blood transfusion after surgery and Leonard stepped up, donated and continued to donate regularly until his age made him stop.
Leonard discovered running. He ran 5K, 10K Half Marathons and "SO MANY Marathons" a neighborhood co-worker would drive him to work at General Dynamics in Kearney Mesa and Leonard would run home to Mission Hills after work. That's dedication.
When I was in Mercy Hospital he would show up after work all sweaty in his green running shorts.
Running Marathons was not enough. He began to train to compete in Triathlons. He rode his bike to Palm Springs or to visit us when we lived in Vista.
Learning to swim later in life made swimming was his most challenging of the 3 activities He went backpacking in the Rockies with friends. Even Bear Gillis would have approved.
Leonard wrote, "I traveled and saw Switzerland and France". He did more than that, ever the photographer, there are a preponderance of photos from Germany and Hawaii. He took photos of a myriad of local parades, people protesting, car and bicycle shows. Leonard enjoyed people and they enjoyed him.
Leonard had a natural talent to mimic. Hearing a friend practicing voice lessons, Leonard copied him and it turned out that Leonard was a "Robusto Tenor" and very talented but started training too late in life. He loved the Opera taking a family member or a friend to one was very special to him.
Leonard was famous up and down our street for his gardening prowess. Tomatoes, Italian Squash, Bell Peppers were his specialty and everyone got some.
Leonard was gregarious and funny. In the 60's and 70's there was a comedian, Flip Wilson who played a sassy African American woman named Geraldine in Drag. Making the saying
"The devil made me do it" popular.
People used to have Jewelry and Lingerie parties. At the end of the parties when the men rejoined the women, Leonard would surprise everyone and come out as Geraldine in the jewelry or lingerie and crack everyone up.
Later, in life as he slowed down he took up Mom's favorite pastime, reading with the same zeal and dedication as he always had. He loved reading and he read everything. He ordered books on a myriad of subjects from WWII to Bob the Cat.
Near the end, he took up Crossword Puzzles with the same zeal as if it was a 10K run.
Leonard is survived by His nephew, Brian Kulhanjian, his cousin Virginia Freeland, her son and daughter, his granddaughter, Darcy Paschall, grandson, James Paschall, great-grandson Zachary Robertson, great-granddaughter Jade Paschall and so many good friends.
Leonard was a wonderful step-father, we will all miss him.
Not long before he passed he wrote to me,
"My wish is to go to sleep and NOT wake up."
He got his wish.
The family of Leonard V Kulhanjian has entrusted us here at Greenwood mortuary to take care of the services for them. Please see below for service details.
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