Celebrating Steve Melkisethian's Life

photo by Susan Melkisethian

This past weekend, Tish and I attended a wonderful celebration of my dear friend Steve Melkisethian's life (1950-2024)!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Daddy was born 94 years ago.

Family Picture, ca. '91

Dad on his 89th birthday with Mom and grandkids!

Daddy and Mommy were soulmates for 58 blissful years in this world. Now they're reunited! 

We love you and miss you both dearly!

Happy Birthday Mommy!

Picture of me and my Mom taken by my Dad

My beloved Mom would've turned 87 today.

She was a very loving, dedicated and supportive wife, mom, and grandmother!

Mommy with her youngest grandchild

Mommy completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, major in Math.  

She also loved music and played the piano.

While teaching high school mathematics, Mom took music courses that would lead towards an Associate's Degree in Music Education. Meanwhile, Dad had just returned to Manila from post-graduate studies at The Juilliard School and got appointed as a faculty member at the same music school where my mom enrolled.

That was the beginning of their beautiful and idyllic love story! 

That's me, the first of four brats!

Our Family, early 80s

Dad and Mom's 25th Anniversary
December 1983

90s Family Pic

Mom and Dad's 50th
wedding anniversary, 2008

Mom and Dad, Feb. 8, 2014
Mom's 80th birthday

Dad and Mom's 56th

wedding anniversary, 2014

Mom
May 2015

Mom and Dad's 58th
wedding anniversary, 2016

Christmas 2016 was the last time the family was together.
Tish and I flew back to the USA on January 23, 2017.

Sadly, Daddy left us on May 23, 2017. 

Mommy joined Daddy on January 23, 2021.

We sorely miss you, Daddy and Mommy, but we're very happy you're together again! 

Dad

My mentor and best friend

I am forever grateful!

February 22, 1927 - May 23, 2017

Dad's camera...

...acquired in Tokyo in 1963 while on a concert tour of Asia. 

Featured in Manila Camera Style - thanks Johann!

My parents were expecting their first brat...

...me.

The camera originally came with a tripod, self timer and light meter. Apparently this little brat destroyed the light meter which eventually got lost.. 

Family picture ca. '68

 ca. '79 

Dad taught me the basics of photography on his Penta J with the aid of a Sunny 16 guide found in film boxes.

More pictures taken by my dad

My parents on their 50th Anniversary, December '08

Leica M6 + Summicron 35/2-1
Acros 100/Diafine