Gerald Nishan Papazian, 73, of Traverse City, Michigan, (formerly of Lake Ann, Michigan) was released from this earth to God, our Father in Heaven, January 7, 2024 where he joins family and friends who have gone on before. Jerry faced accumulating health challenges, the last few years the most daunting. However, he undertook all of the various procedures and treatments in the same way he approached everything else in his life – with patience and quiet strength.

Jerry was born in Highland Park, Michigan, May 22, 1950 - the oldest of 3 sons (Charles and Robert) to Gerald & Natalie (Maloomian) Papazian. He grew up in Redford Twp., Michigan where he met Jeri (Gordinier) in an art class his senior year at Thurston High School. They married 4 years later in her family's home church, Parkway Heights Free Methodist. In 1972 they moved to Benzie County where Jerry began his teaching career and where they also raised their 2 sons, Elliot & Austin – sharing 52 years together.

Jerry earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University, followed by a Masters from Michigan State University and post-Masters from Central Michigan University. He began his 38-year teaching career at Benzie Central High School where he also coached wrestling for 5 years, and for a short time JV baseball. He also coached township baseball while Elliot & Austin were kids. Jerry lived and worked pragmatically and with tireless energy that exemplified a strong work ethic, but at the same time compassion for others. He loved new challenges, prompting the establishment of his own practice in downtown Traverse City (Northernwoods Counseling) while still teaching as well as after "retirement" – achieving a long-time goal. This also allowed him to provide clinical supervision for up-and-coming Licensed Professional Counselors. Additionally, after retirement from Benzie Central, he thoroughly enjoyed a number of years as a part-time at-risk counselor at Elk Rapids High School. He also had the coolest summer job managing the downstairs area at Riverside Canoes for many years – where many BCHS students he had recommended for hiring, landed their first job. Basically, Jerry had a long career of helping others.

Often times, whatever Jerry set his mind to, he'd often "rise to the top." So while he enjoyed many accomplishments, his proudest career accomplishment was being appointed to the State Board of Licensed Professional Counselors for 2 terms (by Governors Snyder & Whitmer). He was also a past president of the Michigan Counseling Association and authored some of the Licensed Professional Counselor law.

Family was especially important to Jerry, and more so the older he got. He stated that his proudest family moments included marrying Jeri, both sons' birth, Austin's USMC enlistment & then completing his education, and Elliot establishing his own business. He often allowed himself to become "pulled in" (heart and body) to injured wildlife care Jeri was involved in over the years. He looked forward to whatever time he could have with his sons, daughter-in-law Tasha and "bonus" grandchildren Ashley and Logan. He so wished there could have been more time for target shooting (Heaven knows, he needed the practice!) and "magnet fishing." He loved the many adventurous road trips with Jeri (and Elliot & Austin while living at home) over the years – and had hoped for so many more. Boating, kayaking, biking, Red Wing hockey, hiking in national parks, reading, and site-seeing brought much enjoyment. No one can deny he was a die-hard Red Wings fan – He has a roomful+ of memorabilia to prove it! He also loved the annual Tiger baseball weekend with his brother, Rob and cousin-in-law from Arkansas, Greg. He was an unabashed Democrat and would not hesitate for a moment to tell you to get out and VOTE!

Left to honor and remember Jerry is his beloved wife of 52 years, Jeri Lee, sons Elliot, Austin (Tasha), all of Traverse City, Michigan, brothers Robert (Laura) of Lake Orion, Michigan and Charles of Canton, Michigan as well as cousins in Ohio and out east – and of course, their most recent rescue dog, Cheetah.  Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald & Natalie.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, March 15, 2024 at Lake Ann United Methodist Church with Pastor Ishmael Kithinji Mathiu officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church's Fellowship Hall. The family will greet friends an hour before the service.

The Papazian family would like to extend our gratitude to all the caring, attentive doctors. & staff at the Munson Dialysis Center, Pain Clinic & Medical Center, including Mary Free Bed Rehab. As well as Dr. Paul Turner – all who have been involved in Jerry's significant medical issues these past few years. We are beyond appreciative to all of those who cared for Jerry as he spent time in and out of hospital care, especially in the last few months of his life.  Know that this road would be much harder without you.

For those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy, you are encouraged to make memorial contributions to a charity of your choice - a homeless shelter, a food pantry, a random act of kindness

When the Way here finishes, our Savior says, "Don't fear, the door will be open to you from the other side. Come gently on."

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, is in charge of arrangements/

www.beaconfh.com