[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 44 (Wednesday, March 30, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H2042]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF EDGAR HAGOPIAN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. McCotter) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the extraordinary 
life of Edgar Hagopian and to mourn his passing at the age of 80.
  Born on August 16, 1930, to Haroutun and Cariana Hagopian, Edgar 
dedicated his life to serving our community and our country. He was an 
exemplary citizen with an incredible work ethic who held an absolute 
love for his ancestral Armenia.
  After graduating from Detroit's Cass Tech High School in 1948, Edgar 
studied at the University of Michigan and valiantly served in the 
United States Army during the Korean war. After being honorably 
discharged on December 7, 1954, Technical Sergeant Hagopian joined his 
father's business, where he had frequently worked since childhood.
  Thus began a long and storied career, establishing himself not only 
as a successful entrepreneur but as an ardent advocate and activist for 
our community and Armenian causes.
  Edgar served on the board of directors of the Armenian Assembly of 
America, the board of governors of the Michigan Design Center, the 
Detroit chapter of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, and the 
Michigan chapter of the Seeds of Peace. He was an associate in the 
Founders Society of the Detroit Institute of Arts, and was involved 
with the Armenian Library. Edgar also founded the Detroit chapter of 
the Armenian American Business Council.
  Edgar was named ``Man of the Year'' by the Canadian Armenian Business 
Council in 1995. In 2002, he was inducted into the International 
Institute Heritage Hall of Fame, and Edgar was awarded the 2005 Ellis 
Island Medal of Honor. This prestigious award was created to honor 
ancestral groups who, through struggle, sacrifice, and success, helped 
build this great Nation.
  Edgar Hagopian deeply loved his community, and his community loved 
him. Always mindful of his humble roots, Edgar always endeavored to 
better our world. He was a mentor to many and an avid patron of the 
arts. A pensive philanthropist, Edgar led Hagopian Companies to donate 
in excess of $70 million in goods and services to local charities.
  Sadly, on March 27, 2011, Edgar passed from this earthly world to his 
eternal reward. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Sarah, 
and his children Suzanne, Edmond, and Angela. Yet Edgar's legacy will 
continue in the lives of his grandsons Alexander, Adam, and Nicholas. 
As he joins his brother Arthur in eternity, Edgar is also survived by 
sisters Mary and Ilene and his brother Steve.
  Mr. Speaker, Edgar Hagopian will be long remembered as a 
compassionate father, a dedicated husband, a passionate champion of 
Armenian causes, a philanthropist, a community leader, and above all, 
as a friend. Edgar was a man who deeply treasured his family, friends, 
community, and his country.
  Today, as we bid Edgar Hagopian farewell, I ask my colleagues to join 
me in mourning his passing and in honoring his unwavering patriotism 
and legendary service to our community and our country.

                              {time}  1010

  I would also ask us to reflect on what is perhaps the most poignant 
part of Edgar's legacy: We are not enriched by what we do for ourselves 
but by what we do for others within the short span of time God grants. 
Truly, Edgar Hagopian used the time he was given to leave us all better 
off; and now, in honor of him, let us return the favor to our fellow 
human beings.

                          ____________________