February 25, 1940 - August 19, 2014 Dr. Hrair Atikian, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 in Burbank, CA due to complications caused by cancer. He was 74. Hrair Atikian was a resident of Sherman Oaks for 46 years, and a prominent orthodontist in North Hollywood for more than 35 years. Hrair was born on February 25, 1940 in Kessab, Syria. He and his parents immigrated to the United States in 1954. Hrair graduated from Boonton High School in New Jersey in 1958; and then studied mechanical engineering at Cooper Union. Hrair graduated from New York University in 1962 with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Hrair graduated from Harvard School of Dental Medicine in 1966 with a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree; and completed a post-doctorate program in Orthodontics at the University of Oregon Dental School. In 1966 Hrair married Martha Bilezikian. In 1968, Dr. Atikian opened up his orthodontics practice in North Hollywood, CA, where he practiced until 2003. Hrair and Martha had three daughters: Katie, Caroline, and Alison. In 1994 Hrair and Martha divorced. In 1996, Hrair married Mary Britton. Hrair was involved with the Kessab Educational Association (KEA) since 1969, serving as Chairman three times; the Kiwanis Club - North Hollywood Chapter from 1969-2010; the United Armenian Congregational Church Deacons' Committee for 11 years, serving as Chair for 2 years; and the Merdinian Armenian School for 12 years, serving as Chair for 5 years. Hrair enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and family - which in his own words were his "raison d'etre" or "reason for being." Dr. Atikian was predeceased by his daughter, Katie. Hrair is survived by his wife, Mary Ekmekji Atikian; his daughters, Caroline Atikian O'Malley and Alison Sykes; his grandchildren, Shannon Michelle O'Malley and Jack Ryan Kade O'Malley; and his brothers, Misak, Daniel, and Vasken Abdulian, and their families. A Memorial Service in Hrair Atikian's honor is scheduled at the United Armenian Congregational Church, 3480 Cahuenga Blvd. West, LA, CA, on Saturday, September, 27th at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School (13330 Riverside Drive, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423); or to the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) Kessab, Syria Fund (31 West Century Road, Paramus, New Jersey 07652).