Obituary of Eric Chilingarian

Dr Eric Chilingarian: Passed away peacefully on January 1^st, 2024 at Caressant Care Nursing Home in Fergus.

Eric had it all, good looks, intelligence, athleticism, sense of humour and a great personality.

After graduating from Utah State and UCLA, he met the love of his life Helen, and they shared 64 years of happy marriage. He began working at the Canadian Embassy, and it was there where he met Bert Wood of W.C Wood Company, who offered him a position and he brought his family to Guelph in 1962. He continued his education while working at W.C Wood, earning degrees from WLU and Niagara University. Eric was an academic at heart and when Conestoga College was established, he became a professor, and he remained there till he retired.

Eric was a great athlete, he was a competitive power lifter, and was a great hockey fan, and enjoyed swimming and running.

His Armenian Heritage was very important to him and he worked tirelessly for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

Eric was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Helen ( nee Davidian, 2018 ), daughter Emily Guthrie ( late Ted, 2021 ), son Dr Archie Chilingarian (1993 ), sisters Rose Petrosian ( late Arek ), Clara and Seda. In laws Mariette and Zaven Simonian ( 2001 ), David Davidian ( 2017 ), Irene ( 2019 ) and John ( 2020 ) Davidian. He is survived by sister and brother in law Nelly Davidian Parseh and Norire Parseh of Glendale, CA as well as many nieces and nephews.

He will be fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews, many friends and acquaintances, and many of those who’ve had the pleasure of having him as their professor.

Special gratitude to the staff at Caressant Care in Fergus who took great care of Eric in his final days.  And a special thank you to Dr. Nancy Rose-Janes for all her care.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am - 11:00 am on Thursday January 4, 2024 with funeral service at 11:00 am in the Chapel at the Brombal Funeral Home, 1 Delhi Street, Guelph. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. Donations to the charity of your choice will be appreciated.