Hovik Ammo, as told by Cindy

It's impossible to look back on the last 20 years of my life without thinking of Hovik ammo. As Tina's best friend, he was always there throughout the many different phases of my life, being a safe constant I felt I could turn to no matter what. He truly was like a second father to me. The level of comfort, warmth, and joy I felt in his presence was something so real and will greatly be missed. With a man full of so much life, the memories are countless.

Beginning from middle school when we were just some crazy kids finding ourselves, we discovered our love for music. Hovik ammo would play his acoustic guitar for us and I would think to myself, "Wow, this man is seriously the coolest." He would play old classic rock and Soviet songs in the car for us and we would have the best time jamming out with him. I'll never forget when he took us all - even his friends - in a big van to Mike's show at the Whisky a Go Go, although it was mostly a younger crowd. He was so happy and proud to have such a talented son who shared the same love for music as he did.

When high school came around, Hovik ammo encouraged us to live life to the fullest and trusted us to make the right decisions. We saw him as an older and wiser friend we could turn to for some great advice or a good laugh, and he absolutely could not say no to us. He had such a soft spot for us - especially for Tina. We had the best car rides back home from school - we would quite literally make him to take us to Subway 3/5 of the days of the week. When Tina got her permit, he would let her drive from Hollywood to Glendale. I remember thinking, “Omg, we’re really not kids anymore” as she drove. He picked us up from school the day Johnny was born, wearing a smile that stretched from ear to ear,  and showed us some Polaroid photos of his new grandson. That was definitely one of the happiest I’ve ever seen Hovik ammo. We were all so happy.

Fast forward to college - my father passed away and Hovik ammo was greatly affected by this. He couldn’t help but empathize with me every time he saw me. He  would take on my pain and make it his own. It made me feel so safe, loved, and not alone. Taking it a step further, not one event went by (I was at 95% of the Menedjyan family events) where Hovik ammo wouldn’t make a toast to my late father. I can’t begin to explain how much this display of respect towards him would mean to me. Hovik ammo was truly the definition of “thoughtful”, and touched the hearts of many.

Funny enough, Hovik ammo met my now fiancé while we were in college. He loved him instantly and told me that we will get married. I surely didn’t think so at the time- but he was right!!

One of the last memories I have with Hovik ammo is when we had New Years xash last year with the family and David. It was such a beautiful day. The weather was crisp and perfect. We ate, drank some shots, shared stories and laughs, he (of course) toasted to my father. At the end of the day, he made Tina and I throw a shoe over our heads so we can get engaged or find “the one”. I did get engaged a few months later :) and Tina did find the one. Good looking out, Hovik ammo.

I’m so grateful for you, Hovik ammo. Thank you for your role in shaping my life to what it is today. You will be missed, but your memory and legacy will live on. Have fun with David in heaven. I’m sure you will be the best guardian angels. Until we meet again.