Kirk Kerkorian: a humanitarian who never praised his philanthropy

Kirk Kerkorian’s loss has caused us pain.

One of the remarkable individuals, a source of inspiration and hopes for opportunities, has left us, Lilit Galstyan, Chairperson of the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society, told Tert.am.

“We can never underestimate the activities of the Lincy Foundation established by him, especially in the context of the 1990s, the hardest period of our statehood – its road construction, cultural and education projects in Armenia. How can we forget that he sponsored the renovation of a dozen cultural centers in Armenia’s capital during those years of hardship? How can we be ungrateful? He was a humanitarian who never praised his philanthropy,” Ms Galstyan said.

Mr Kerkorian’s projects could have been implemented on a larger scale in Armenia if more efficient methods of cooperation had been employed.

“In any case, we will remember him as a great Armenian, with a bright smile, who did not speak Armenian, but lived as Armenian,” she said.

Asked if Kirk Kerkorian’s death could affect the Armenian community’s role in the United States, Ms Galstyan said:

“His death is, of course, a great loss in all respects. Such an individual’s role remains great and irreplaceable. But the Armenian community has different opportunities and its efficiency is more dependent on well-organized work. I am sure that Kirk will prove an infectious example to many. Such individuals will be born again. We are a talented sort.”