On Thursday, May 8th 2026, our lives changed forever when we unexpectedly lost my dad, Andre Eyvazian, at just 57 years old due to a Non-ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction heart attack.

Anyone who truly knew my dad knew one thing about him above everything else: he had a golden heart.

My dad was a civil engineer, a lifelong sports fan, and someone whose personality could fill an entire room. He loved the San Francisco 49ers, Bayern Munich, making jokes, and spending time with the people he loved. He had a sense of humor that could make anyone laugh, and even through difficult times, he never stopped loving his family.

To friends and family, Andre was known as one of the kindest people they had ever met. Before addiction took hold of his life, he was the type of person who would help absolutely anyone if he had the ability to do so. He gave generously, cared deeply for others, and always tried to make the people around him feel supported. Addiction changed many parts of his life, but it never fully took away the loving person he truly was underneath.

My dad would often say he was not religious, but deep down he always carried his Armenian Orthodox roots with him. As a child, he even served in the church. Family, culture, and community always mattered to him, even if he did not always openly express it.

He leaves behind so many people who loved him deeply: his wife Melina, his son Andrew (19), his daughter Ellena (13), his mother Maro, his father Hrand, his brother Allen, his sister Ani, and his two nephews Leo and Luka, who he absolutely adored.

My relationship with my dad was complicated on the surface, but underneath it all was unconditional love. No matter how hard things became, he was always my dad. He was always there when I truly needed him. He taught me how to drive, how to shave, how to work hard, and so many other things that I will carry with me forever.

Some of my favorite memories were the simple ones. Watching NFL games together every Sunday. Hearing him say “good morning.” Him asking what was for breakfast. Just hearing his voice in the house. Now the house feels different. There is a hole in it that cannot be explained unless you have lived through something like this.

This loss was sudden and completely unexpected, and our family was not prepared for it emotionally. Any support, prayers, or even simply sharing this with others means more to our family than words can express.

To everyone who has already reached out, supported us, prayed for us, or shared memories of my dad: thank you. Our friends, and our family have reminded us how much love still exists even during the darkest moments of life.

We will always remember Andre for his humor, his kindness, his love for sports, and most importantly, the love he had for his family.

May he rest in peace.