FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – A Fresno contractor has died while hiking in Sequoias National Park.
The Tulare County Coroner’s Office identified the hiker as 52-year-old Kalem Peter Kazarian.
Kazarian, born in Fowler, was known in the Central Valley for his devotion as a Christian and for his work as a contractor, operating Kazarian Custom Homes.
He often helped build homes for charity. He worked on a project in Yerevan for Habitat for Humanity Armenia, an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit Christian housing ministry.
In 2019, Kazarian was chosen by HGTV to work on a home featured in the May episode of “Go Big or Go Home.”
Kazarian’s family’s story of fleeing Armenia, became inspiration for author Joan Schoettler‘s book; The Honey Jar: An Armenian’s Escape to Freedom. The book told the story of an eight year old fleeing Armenia with his family to escape the invasion of Turkish soldiers.
“I gave my sister away. She was two. I was not yet nine.”
In 1920, eight-year-old Bedros fled Armenia with his young sisters, grandmother, and uncle to escape the Turkish soldiers invading their town. But in the confusion, Bedros lost sight of the adults and was left alone to protect his siblings. Told in verse, suspenseful and heart-rending, The Honey Jar depicts a journey from desperation to freedom, anchored in Bedros’ promise to return to his native land and to find the one he left behind. His story will touch the hearts of families everywhere, especially those who have experienced the longing for a new life.
Kazarian wrote an endorsement for the book, which was Winner, Gold Medal, 2024 California Book Awards, Juvenile.
My grandfather’s letting go of his sister is a pain still felt by many of us today. I often imagine the interchange and the feelings he experienced; the pain of loss and the hope in finding. I carry these feelings of great sadness and joy, as my father has before me. They are treasured possessions that we will always have, like a gold cross and a honey jar.”
—Kalem Kazarian, grandson of Peter Kazarian
The Tulare County Coroner’s Office says Kazarian died while hiking near Mt. Whitney but the cause of his death and the exact area were not yet released.
52-year-old Kalem Kazarian and wife Jonelle. Photo: Instagram.
He had often hiked with his wife, Jonelle, and the couple recently celebrated their 27th anniversary. Jonelle often posted the couple’s hiking adventures and their Facebook page on Wednesday was filled with condolences.
Kazarian leaves behind three children, Judi, Peter, and Frank.
A service will be held this month.
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
