Armenian Assembly of America sends condolences on passing of Kirk Kerkorian

YEREVAN, JUNE 17, ARMENPRESS: The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) mourns the loss of Kirk Kerkorian, who passed away on Monday, June 15, 2015 at the age of 98. Armenpress reports, citing the official website of the Armenian Assembly of America that Kerkorian was a well-respected businessman, philanthropist, and an iconic leader of the Armenian American community. The youngest of four children, Kerkorian was born in Fresno, California to Armenian immigrant parents and exemplified the very best of what it meant to be an Armenian in America.

"I am deeply saddened on hearing of the passing of Kirk Kerkorian. He was a friend of Armenia, a friend of the Armenian Assembly, and a friend of Armenians everywhere. What I cherish especially is that he was my friend,"stated Assembly Board Chairman Emeritus Hirair Hovnanian."I had the great honor of hosting him on his historic trip to Armenia. He made a huge difference in our homeland with his tremendous generosity. Armenia is on a path to modernization after years of economic stagnation thanks to his support. He was proud of his heritage and I am proud of having known him for so many years,"Hovnanian said.

According to Forbes, Kerkorian amassed a net worth close to $4 billion. He spent a lifetime contributing to the development of Armenia, and supported dozens of Armenian American causes, including the Armenian Assembly of America. Kerkorian was best known for establishing The Lincy Foundation in 1989 in response to the devastating earthquake in Spitak, Armenia. The substantial contributions from The Lincy Foundation provided housing to thousands of displaced individuals and families and the reconstruction of roads and other key infrastructure.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Kerkorian family.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.