On October 5, our friend Kalem Kazarian died while hiking near Mount Whitney. He was 52.

Kalem was a devoted husband to Jonelle for 27 years and a proud father to Judi, Peter, and Frank. Born in Fowler, he built a life in Fresno rooted in his Christian faith, his family, and serving others.

Through Kazarian Custom Homes, Kalem built homes across the Central Valley, and he gave that same skill away. He helped build homes for charity, including with Habitat for Humanity Armenia in Yerevan, honoring his family’s Armenian roots. In 2019 he was featured on HGTV’s “Go Big or Go Home.” Those who knew him remember someone who was super fun and also super deep, serious about serving God and loving others.

Kalem and Jonelle loved the outdoors and hiked together often. His loss leaves a huge hole in his family, his church, and the many communities he touched.

This fund is to help Jonelle and the kids with whatever they need in the months ahead. Every gift, of any size, goes directly to Jonelle.

Services will be held at First Armenian Presbyterian Church, 430 South 1st Street, Fresno:

Viewing: Wed, Oct 21, 5-7 PM

Service: Thu, Oct 22, 10-11 AM

Thank you for loving this family.

Geoff Millikan, Kalem’s friend from Cal Poly SLO