It is with heavy heart and great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr Barkev Andonian on Sept 30, 2023 with his family at his side. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years (Alice), his children Dr.Sero (Diana) and Maria (Brent), and his grandchildren, Barkev and Samantha.

Born in Aleppo (Syria) to Serop Andonian and Marie Kasparian, Armenian Genocide survivors, he had a difficult childhood with no running water or electricity. He was predeceased by his older brother Isaac. Growing up he wanted to become a pediatrician to heal children and reduce infant mortality in a third world country. He used to bike to school because his parents could not afford to pay for school bus. In 1956, he obtained his Medical Doctor degree from American University of Beirut (AUB), the most prestigious English university in the Middle East at the time. He completed a Residency Program in Pediatrics from AUB in 1959 and stayed till 1960 as an assistant lecturer. To help his family and heal children in impoverished Syria, he returned to Aleppo in 1960 and opened his clinic and worked in Al-Kalime Hospital. Dr. Barkev Andonian was the first certified paediatrician in Aleppo in 1960. He served that community for over 40 years before retiring in Canada in search of a better education for his children and proudly witnessed his children graduate from McGill University.

Dr. Barkev Andonian was a great human being who embodied the most beautiful and precious meanings of humanity. He was hard-working, dedicated, and compassionate pediatrician. Often, he would treat pro bono when parents could not afford. He showed the world how to overcome difficulties of life through diligence, dedication, and humour. He raised the bar of medicine and was an exemplary physician. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother and he was able to establish these high morals and principles in his children and grandchildren as well.

Thank you Dr. Barkev Andonian for your service to humanity. Your love will stay in our hearts forever.

He is survived by his spouse Alice, children Dr.Sero (Diana) and Maria (Brent), grandchildren Barkev and Samantha, and siblings Arshaluys, Loucine, Aghavni (Hrant), and Krikor (Arminé). He will be dearly missed by all Andonian, Fernezlian, and Ewart families.

The Andonian family would like to thank the great care that their father had received at the Montreal Neurological Institute. We would like to particularly thank Dr Eric Ehrensperger and nurses especially Magan, Sharon and Sonia.

In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to:

McGill University, Dr. Barkev and Mrs. Alice Andonian Research Bursary in Paediatrics

La Fondation de L’École Arménienne Sourp Hagop