Hrach was truly one of a kind. The man never met anyone he didn't like. A bit quirky--absolutely, but he was a fantastic friend and would do anything in the world for you! Once you were his friend, you became his, "Armenian Brother". I first met him in Squaw Valley at MMW in 87. I was selling coffee cups, T-shirts, and various other stuff. Anyway, he walked up to my table and said, "I'll have one of each". (never bothered to ask how much anything was) I was pointing to stuff and adding in my head, thinking I could do a discount bundle when he just handed me some cash and said, this should cover it. Yes, probably more than enough, but that was what he valued my stuff at. No haggles, no bartering, just wanted the stuff and paid what he thought it was worth. Never had a Mini owner approach me that way. Anyway, I thanked him and tried exchanging names. Although he rattled out his name, he said just call me NANU...much easier to say and remember than Hrach Chekijian! After that, we were friends for life. He always made a point to come and talk to me at any Mini event we attended. On a couple of occasions I stopped by and saw him while passing thru Peeebedeee. (that's Bostonian for what we in the south call Peabody...LOL!) He was always glad to see me and I enjoyed those occasions even more than the hustle and bustle of Mini Meets. Sometime before his passing I was in search of some odd Moke parts. I had heard that he had this particular item excess to his needs, so I gave him a call. "Yes, I have that and it is yours!" I asked how much and his response was pure Hrach. "You need it, I don't, It is yours!" It is now part of my Moke, which once restored, will remind me of him every time I take it out for a spin! RIP NANU my Armenian brother!

I'd guess I first met him in the 70s? If he liked you and he seemed to like everyone there was no end to what he'd do for you. A friend also from Va. admired some jewelry he was wearing. A few weeks after the meet she received a silver mini with ruby tail lamps and diamond headlamps. I'm sure everyone has a story. Steve (CTR)  

Cleaning out a box of items and what’s inside, a brand new Hrach yellow t-shirt, the one with the yellow moke and wild hair

reminded  me of the front desk clerk at the Holiday Inn Express in Seiverville TN Mini Meet East, Hrach conned her into going with him for a ride in the moke, boy was she out of it when he brought her back, he was a gem

Big AL

My Hrach Memorial plaque (which I'm still ridiculously proud of being awarded) lives on the shelves above my desk.  Time flies, and he's still missed.

It really does seem like yesterday.  Hrach was soo much more than mini's as several people knew.  If you never had the pleasure, look at your best friend and imagine him/her 10 fold.  Not even close to what Hrach was.  A great guy with a great attitude and a great love of life.  The world is not the same.  

The first time I saw Hrach was at the first national East Meets West in Denver in 1984. I'd just made the long trip down from Seattle in my Moke only to find out how far Hrach had driven his Moke and how many more miles he intended to go.

Hard to believe 8 years, better get going.

Never had the opportunity to meet him.
As there were no posts here, thought I'd bring this one up which does have pictures/stories

https://www.minimania.com/msgThread/105682/1/1/Hrach_Chekijian_RIP

Tomorrow marks 8 years since we lost Hrach.  Take a drive in your Moke tomorrow and think about him!
Anyone have any photos to share of Hrach?  Please share them here.