Asbed Osheen "Victor" Papakhian, 79, died on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at home with his family by his side.

Victor was born on January 3, 1941 in Latakia, Syria. He was the oldest son of Reverend Souren and Yeretzghin Shoushanig Papakhian. Souren and Shoushanig were both survivors of the Armenian Genocide and dedicated their lives to serving the Armenian community. His sister, Salpie, was born in 1944. In 1947, the family of four migrated to Detroit, Michigan. In 1948, Victor's brother Arsen "Raffi" was born.

The family of five resided in the Delray neighborhood in southwest Detroit. Victor graduated from Western International High School in 1959 and attended Wayne State University earning a BA in Philosophy in 1963 and a JD in 1967. He practiced different types of law throughout his life and retired from Wayne County Corporation Counsel in 2005.

He was a lifelong civil rights and social justice activist and advocate. His interests included all things Armenian, reading, gardening, solving New York Times crossword puzzles, collecting stamps, watching the Detroit Tigers, drinking wine, listening to music, traveling, and doting on his daughters. He was a dedicated caregiver and advisor to his parents, friends and family. He was a kind, gentle, considerate soul who was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Victor is survived by his wife, Sosi, and daughters, Lily and Sareen, and sister Salpie Hughes. He lives on in the minds of the many relatives, friends, and colleagues who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Raffi.

A memorial service will not be held at this time. Donations may be sent to: The Armenia Tree Project, The University of Michigan-Dearborn Armenian Research Center, or the Armenian Relief Society in support of Arstakh.