Ara Ketenjian

Dr. Ara Yervant Ketenjian, 87, born on April 27, 1937, in Aleppo, Syria, passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of May 22, 2024, after a long illness. Services will be held at Forest Lawn in Hollywood Hills on July 13th, 2024 at 12:30 p.m.

Dr. Ketenjian held both an M.D. and PhD and was a practicing orthopedic surgeon and biochemist. Born in Aleppo, Syria and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, Dr. Ketenjian studied at UCLA and Columbia University. While he was a brilliant doctor and scientist, it seemed like there really wasn't anything he couldn't do. He had exceptional style, spoke several languages, had traveled the world, written articles and a book, was a photographer, singer, race car driver, had a blackbelt in Karate and Judo, and had a smile that could melt the hearts of so many. His humor was infectious and his curiosities seemed endless. A deeply spiritual person, he could both offer sermons at his church but was also interested in Eastern religions. At the heart was a seeker who believed that life was resplendent with beautiful experiences of joy. 

While we so deeply feel the loss of this great person, the memories of Dr. Ketenjian is what we will hold dear and celebrate, remembering how he demonstrated the importance of embracing life's endless treasures and gifts.