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William Babaian
December 19th, 1929 - April 22nd, 2024
Col William Levon Babaian MD passed away at Community Hospital with family by his side, he was 94. William lived a big life, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and a friend to all who met him. William was an avid conversationalist with his deep knowledge and witty quips he would engage all in thoughtful, lively and impactful conversations. Dr William Babaian’s story began in Mt. Vernon, New York born December 19,1929 to Armenian immigrants Abgar and Loretta Babaian. William grew up in New York along with his older sister Marguerite. William graduated from Edison Technical and Vocational High School in 1947. After graduating high school William enlisted in the United States Army serving as a combat medic in Korea where he served 4 years. During a routine visit home from the army and at his mothers encouragement William met and courted his future wife Miss Helen Bouchakian,also the daughter of Armenian immigrants. William and Helen married in New York November 22,1952. After his time in the army William enrolled at Boston University pursuing biology. William graduated Cum Laude from Boston University in August 17,1956. The following year he earned his masters in Biology from Boston University. In September 1957 William entered Tufts Medical School to commence his studies and pursue his medical degree. Dr Babaian graduated Tufts Medical in 1961 and he opened his own private practice in Boston specializing in family medicine, he remained in private practice until 1969 when rising hostilities and a dire need for medical doctors in Vietnam compelled him to close his practice and reenlist in the army. William served with the 23rd Artillery Group in Vietnam and earned the Bronze Star during his term, in addition the Bronze Star, he was awarded the Medical Combat Badge and William rose to the rank of Colonel, he remained in the military until 1991. Throughout William's military service the family would be stationed in Hawaii at Tripler Army Base where William served as the chief of emergency services and chief of troop medical services. After being stationed in Hawaii the family moved in 1973 to the former Fort Ord military base in Monterey Ca. The family loved the Monterey Peninsula and decided to make Monterey home permanently. William worked at Silas B Hays army hospital until 1978, there he worked as the chief of medical services and family physician. In 1980 he began working for the Oakland Navy base in Stockton, Ca as their primary base doctor. William commuted until his retirement in 1991.William left his military career with the rank of colonel, amongst the many military decorations he received during his 2nd tour were the Medical Combat Badge, 3 Bronze Stars and the Air Medal. William and Helen enjoyed all that Monterey Peninsula had to offer and loved attending the symphony, classical music events, the theater and area festivals. They were members at Carmel Mission Basilica. They particularly loved spending time with their 3 grandsons and gatherings with family and friends. Helen preceded William in death in 2006. After Helens passing William became active at the Sally Griffin Center and the Carmel Foundation where he enjoyed activities and the services of both. William had an insatiable lifelong hunger for knowledge and believed you should “learn like you will live forever”, he enjoyed attending grand rounds at Community Hospital and staying current on the latest medical technology and current medical advancements, he also attended Monterey Peninsula college taking various classes. William is survived by his son’s Haig & Aram of Boston, Ma. Dickran of Nashville, Tn. Gregory (Lisa) of Salinas, Ca. 3 grandsons Matthew of Denver, Co, Nikolus (Mallory) of Boston, Ma and Tristan of Monterey, Ca. William is preceded in death by his wife Helen and his oldest son Michael and his sister Marguerite. Private family services were held with full military honors. If memorial gifts would like to be made in his honor the family requests donations be made to The Sally Griffin Center, The Carmel Foundation or The American Legion Hall.
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