It is with great sadness that we want to let supporters of the Nazareth Trust know of the death of John Vartan, great-grandson of the hospital founders Pacradooni Kaloost and Mary Anne Vartan, on 14 April 2019 at his home near Peterborough, England. He was 81 years old.
It was later in life that John came to discover the work of his great-grandparents in Nazareth and went on to serve as a Trustee of the Nazareth Trust from 2002 – 2011. Such was his zeal for the work in Nazareth, John completed the bike rides in 2001 (Three Seas) and 2003 (The Negev) raising money to support the work of the Trust. He also commissioned the book “Vartan of Nazareth” by Malcolm Billings, published in 2012 to mark the 150th anniversary of the start of the hospital work in Nazareth.
We feel keenly the loss of a good friend. – Bob and Nancy Martin
Those who knew John well remember him as a kind gentleman, passionate for the work of the Nazareth Trust. Around the board table, he brought a deep sense of the Vartan legacy and was well regarded for his constructive, insightful input, blended with his wonderful sense of humour. Bob Martin (former General Director) and Nancy Martin (former School of Nursing Director and Trustee) said “We feel keenly the loss of a good friend.” and Ian Lyall (former Chair) said “I have the fondest of memories of John.”
John was a husband to Frances for 56 years, much-loved father of Andrew and Caroline and grandfather to Oliver, Georgina, Patrick and Dominic. A Service of Thanksgiving, open to all friends, will be held at The Church of All Saints, Elton, PE8 6RU on Tuesday 28th May at 2 p.m.
Those of us who knew John feel our lives were enriched by him and have a deep sense of loss. We extend our sympathy to John’s family at this sad time, and are grateful for all he did to support the work of the Nazareth Trust.
Morgan Jamieson (Chair) on behalf of the Nazareth Trust Board of Trustees.
