Sam Blueian
March 9, 1919 – July 19, 2010
Sam Blueian passed away on July 19, 2010 in Palm Desert, Calif. at the age of 91. He was born March 9, 1919 to Mike and Violet Blueian in Fresno, Calif. He spent many years of his life in Fresno, having graduated from Sanger High School in 1938 where he was active in sports and made many lifelong friends. He never missed a class reunion.
After graduation, Sam helped his parents in the family business. Then because of his love of airplanes and his mechanical abilities, his dad urged him to attend the Curtis-Wright Aeronautical School and then went to work for Lockheed Aircraft in Burbank, Calif. as a Final Assembly Inspector until 1942, when he enlisted in the Army Air Corp. He served in the 8th Air Force, 95th Bomb Grp. 64th Service Squadron as a Crew Chief on B-17's in Service and Maintenance in Horham, England. At the time of discharge in 1945, he was serving as Staff Sergeant.
Upon his return to Fresno, he again helped in the family businesses, farming grapes and working in their general store. This is where Sam acquired his love of the vineyards. In 1947, Sam married and over the years was blessed with four children: one daughter and three sons. In 1948, Sam bought a plane and became a member of the Civil Air Patrol and put in many hours as a search and rescue pilot. He retired as a Major in 1961. In the 1960's he went to work for George Bagdasarian in Fresno and relocated to the Coachella Valley in 1961 to become a farm chemical salesman for Baggie Ag Supply, a company owned by George Bagdasarian.
He became a familiar figure in the farming industry. With his expertise in the application of the products, pest control, and entomology advice, he was a great asset to the agriculture industry. In 1970, he met Sue Lawrence who was working for the Ortho Distributor, a farm chemical plant. Sue is the daughter of Frank and Leona Lawrence and a lifelong resident of Coachella Valley. They were married in 1971, bringing together a couple who loved the agriculture industry.
In 1973, Sam went to work for Richard Bagdasarian, Inc. a grower of grapes, citrus and vegetables. He was very dedicated and loved his job, working with so many great employees of the company and especially working for the Bozick family. After 33 years of loyal service, he retired at the age of 86. Sam's patriotism never faded. He was a Life Member of V.F.W. Post 3699; American Legion Post 739; The Air Force Association; The Eighth Air Force Historical Society; Palm Springs Air Museum (was involved in the aircraft acquisition pledge program helping to complete and restore fourteen warbirds). He was also a member and dedicated supporter of the East Valley Memorial Foundation which is a beautiful addition to the Coachella Valley Cemetery. This is a memorial built to honor men and women who have served and a remembrance monument to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country.
Sam was also a Charter Member of the World War II Memorial, Washington, D.C.; and a Charter Member of the American Air Museum in Britain. Sam and Sue traveled to England in 1997 for the official opening of the Air Museum in Duxford by her Majesty, the Queen. Sam was also a member of Indio Elks Lodge 1643, Fraternal Order of Eagles 2594 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988. He was also a member of the Living Desert and a Life Member of the Coachella Valley Vaqueros.
He had many fond memories and trophies for the horseshoe, pool and bowling tournaments he played in. You could find Sam any weekend in front of the television watching NASCAR and Indy car races, or football. His love of family and friends knew no bounds. He showed his affection not so much in words as in lending a helping hand and good deeds. He loved the desert and the people he met. There were few people in the desert who did not know him. He also met good friends in Oceanside where he and wife Sue had a vacation beach trailer for many years. Sam loved socializing and could dance the night away. Sam and Sue loved to travel by air and cruising to many favorite destinations.
Sam is survived by his wife, Sue; sister, Alice Kezerian; brother, Sarkis Blueian of Fresno; daughters, Mary (Alain), Janice (Danny); sons, Gregory, Michael (Denise) and Mitchell (Shoushan); grandchildren, Stephanie, Brandon, Lindsey, Christopher, Alexander; and great-grandson, Christopher Jordan.
He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Carolyn Alexander, Saundra (Denny) Juhola, Tona Lawrence, Francine Babington and Joni (David) Galvan; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind many good friends. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Violet Blueian and his sister, Sarah Blueian Hagopian; brother-in-law, Jack Hagopian; sister-in-law, Beatrice Blueian; and nephew, James Derek Jeffredo; and his wonderful father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Leona Lawrence.
Sam, you enriched the lives of so many. As a soldier, you honored our Country, and as a man, you had a beautiful and loving heart. But, most of all, as a husband, there could be no greater love. Your happy smiles will be missed. Graveside services will be held at the Coachella Valley Cemetery, at the corner of Avenue 52 and Jackson Street, at 10:30 AM on July 28, 2010 under the direction of FitzHenry-Weifels.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, that donations be made in Sam's name to The Living Desert, 47-900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert 92260; or The Palm Springs Air Museum, 745 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, 92262; The East Valley Memorial Foundation Inc, P.O. Box 512, Palm Desert, 92261; or The Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert, 38-900 Vista Dunes Rd., Rancho Mirage, 92270.
Published in The Desert Sun from July 24 to July 29, 2010