John Gary Agajanian passed away unexpectedly on January 21, 2023, in Eureka at the age of 58 to be with his Creator.

Born to Lynn and Gary Agajanian on July 21, 1964, in Arcadia, California, John spent the first seven years of his life in Southern California. During this time, he attended St. John’s Elementary School in Baldwin Park, California. In 1971, John and his parents, along with his maternal grandparents and other family members, moved to Humboldt County. Later, his paternal grandparents, as well as two of his paternal aunts, uncle and cousins relocated from southern California to Humboldt County as well.

He attended Fortuna elementary schools and after moving to Eureka, attended St. Bernard’s Academy High School from which he graduated in 1982. He played football at St. Bernard’s during his tenure and became a dedicated booster and supporter of the academy during his adult life. He was a Crusader to the end.

After graduating high school, John enjoyed careers in the local business community. He was the original owner of Eureka’s Donut Mill, worked for Nabisco, Frito Lay and, for the last eleven years until his passing, managed the family business, Albee & Buck, owned by his parents Lynn and Gary and his aunt Patty.

John enjoyed backpacking, camping, fishing, hunting and golf—not necessarily in that order! However, his greatest joy in life came from his relationships with his son Seth and daughter Emily. They were an incredibly tight and supportive family unit. There was absolutely nothing that John would not do for his children. Although an only child, John never lacked for “siblings” as he had nineteen first cousins! Maternal cousins include: David, Mike, Glenn, Gary, Billy, Dan, Reuben, Diego, Matt, Amanda, and Kathryn. Paternal cousins include: Robin, Karen, Sam, Chrissy, Tiffany, Jennifer, Layni, and Danny. John was always supportive of family and friends. He sometimes had a gruff exterior, but when it came to someone in need, he was very caring and compassionate, and his gruff manner would fold “like a house of cards” to assist. He had a soft spot for animals as well. John was known for his keen, and sometimes wicked, sense of humor. His “sibling” cousins particularly enjoyed his humor as it was often directed towards the “interfering” parents, aunts and uncles. John was a master griller and made the BEST guacamole in the state.

John is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, William and Georgiana Darnall; his paternal grandparents, Agase and Lucille Agajanian; his uncle Sam and aunt Roberta Agajanian; his uncle Aggie Agajanian; and his cousins Glenn Thompson and William “Billy” Thompson.

John is survived by his parents Lynn and Gary Agajanian; his son Seth and daughter-in-law Kate Agajanian; his daughter Emily Agajanian and her fiancée Mike Sanchez; his aunts and uncles: Liz Agajanian, Patricia Thompson, Rodney and Ginger Agajanian, Penny Agajanian, Cindy Darnall Stevens and Scott Stevens, Randi Darnall Burke and Raymond “Bud” Burke, and Steve and Karla Darnall.

John is also survived by his remaining seventeen first cousins and their partners: Robin and Paul Neal, David Thompson, Karen and Dennis Mansfield, Sam and Marilee Agajanian, Michael Thompson and Janice Barron, Chrissy and Steve Ambrosini, Gary Thompson and Kay Lee Thompson, Lara Thompson, Tiffany and Clint Walker, Jennifer and Jason Ramos, Layni Agajanian, Dan and Carrie Thompson, Danny and Cher Agajanian, Reuben and Nikki Rael, Diego Rael, Matt Darnall and Kathleen Kiernan, Amanda Stevens and John Guzman, and Kathryn Darnall Helms and Oliver Helms. John is also survived by numerous second, third, fourth, etc., cousins. He had quite the extended family, and as John would say, “it’s for both better and worse, but mostly better. “

We will always love and miss you, “Sonner”! You live in our hearts forever.

A memorial mass for John will be held at Sacred Heart Church, Myrtle Ave., Eureka, on February 18, 2023, at 11 a.m. A reception will follow at Lifehouse, 2734 Hubbard Lane, Eureka. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the St. Bernard’s scholarship fund or a charity of your choice. Arrangements provided by Sanders Funeral Home.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of John Agajanian’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.