wfn.org | Haig Tilbian, Jinishian Memorial Program Leader, Dies

[PCUSA NEWS <pcusa.news@ecunet.org>]

24-May-1999 
99198 
 
    Haig Tilbian, Jinishian Memorial Program Leader, Dies 
 
    by Jerry L. Van Marter 
 
LOUISVILLE, Ky.-Haig S. Tilbian, a leader of the Presbyterian Church 
(U.S.A.)'s Jinishian Memorial Program for more than 20 years, died May 15 
in Beirut of cancer.  He was 53. 
 
    Tilbian, a native of Syria, was educated in Lebanon and joined the 
Beirut field staff of the Jinishian program in 1977.  In 1980 he was named 
field director of the program for Syria and Lebanon., a position he held 
until his death. 
 
    The Jinishian Memorial Program provides humanitarian aid and economic 
and community development assistance to Armenians around the world - 
particularly in the Middle East and Armenia. 
 
    Tilbian was diagnosed with cancer of the kidney and lungs in March 
1998.  He continued working until he collapsed and lapsed into a coma on 
April 17 of this year. 
 
    Funeral services were held May 17 at the Armenian Apostolic Church of 
Antelias in Lebanon.  Tilbian is survived by his wife, Maro, son Joseph and 
daughter Maral. 
 
    Upon his death, the United States Advisory Committee of the Jinishian 
Memorial Program issued a statement praising Tilbian for administering the 
program "with utter faithfulness to cater to the needy Armenians' material 
and spiritual needs indiscriminately.  His energy, devotion, imagination, 
resourcefulness, sense of justice and deep sense of mission are difficult 
to match.  In his leadership he inspired his staff with passionate vision 
and persistent devotion." 

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