Obituary of Taniel Stepanian

The Stepanian family is sad to announce the passing of Daniel Stepanian. Daniel passed away peacefully in Ottawa on the morning of Saturday March 30, 2024. 

Beloved husband of Hermine Stepanian. Loving father of Salpie Stepanian, Raffie Stepanian, Ara Stepanian. He was predeceased by his sister Angele Der Adourian and his brother Bedros Stepanian. 

Born in Beirut, Lebanon. He moved to Canada as a young man to provide for a better future for his family.  He worked tirelessly to bring about the formation of the Armenian Cultural Association of Ottawa in 1971, including helping draft its constitution and served in various executive capacities over the years.  He volunteered to organize countless community activities and events like the annual “barahantess” and was keen to keep the Armenian community engaged and the Armenian language and identity alive.  He along with others in the community established the Ararat Armenian Sunday School as another way to bring together the fledging Ottawa Armenian community.  He also helped with fundraising for relief after the devastating earthquake in Armenia in 1988.

He retired after a 27-year career with the University of Ottawa in 1996 and spent his retirement travelling the world with numerous trips to Armenia, Karabakh, South America, Europe, Lebanon and within North America.  A great lover of the outdoors he enjoyed camping and hikes,  and climbed Mount Washington in New Hampshire several times and enjoyed deep sea fishing in Cape Cod with family and friends. 

Daniel cared deeply for his wife and 3 children.  He was a courageous and strong family man until his final day.  He died surrounded by his loving family.

A Visitation for family and friends will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., with Words of Remembrance offered at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Pinecrest Visitation Centre, 2500 Baseline Road, Ottawa. Interment will follow in Pinecrest Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at colefuneralservices.com.