In Memory of
Gary Avedisian
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June 12, 1991 FACULTY (1972-1991) Gary Edward Avedisian (51) Monterey Peninsula Herald, CA June 14, 1991 page 8 Gary Avedisian, P.G. teacher, coach diesGary Avedisian, a popular Pacific Grove High School teacher and coach, died Early Wednesday at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula of a massive heart attack. He was 51. Mr. Avedisian was born in Fresno on Aug. 6, 1939, and moved to the Peninsula in 1961 after graduating from the University of California at Berkeley. His first teaching job was at Pacific Grove Middle School. In 1972 he began teaching at the high school. A popular physics and chemistry teacer, Mr. Avedisian’s death occurred during the last week of school, when students were taking final exams. A family friend said that the high school’s graduation exercises will be dedicated to Mr. Avedisian. In addition to his teaching duties, for many years he coached the girls’ softball team and boys’ and girls’ tennis. In his 19 years at Pacific Grove High, Mr. Avedisian taught a variety of science classes, including advanced placement courses. He had served as chairman of the science department and in 1989 received a grant from the National Science Foundation. Last year he was a recipient of the Allen Griffin award for excellence in teaching. Mr. Avedisian also was active in the Church of the Wayfarer. He is survived by his wife, Sue, and two daughters, Laura and Wendy, both of Pacific Grove. Memorial services are pending. The Paul Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Knockout II Aug 1991 It is always a sad day when we talk about those who have passed away. Particularly so when the event is totally unexpected. Such it was with Gary Avedisian, a sudden heart attack. Gary taught students – and he taught them physics and chemistry (not courses one usually thinks of with enthusiasm in connection with school) and he taught them hundreds of other kinds of things along the way. It is also safe to say that those students who somehow missed studying under Gary missed out on some wonderful times. Gary had the uncanny knack of imparting to his students the wonder and encouragement to dig in and learn more of the fascinating subjects of physics and chemistry. He at one time had his students construct cardboard boats. Such a boat that would float one or two of its creators on board would score an A for the project. Boats that were able to cross the entire length of the schools 25-yard swimming pool would earn more credit. Gary’s love for his science subjects would rub off onto his students and they all profited from the experience. Mr. Avedisian spent most of this adult life teaching and in 1990 was the recipient of the Allen Griffin award for excellence in teaching and in 1989 he received a grant from the National Science Foundation. Gary also coached softball and the girls’ swimming team. He spent many years working as a forest ranger at Yosemite National Park. Gary is survived by his wife Sue and his daughters Laura and Wendy. (FAC 1972-1991, of PG, CA |
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