John Chakirian, Maker Of Aplets, Cotlets

In 1930, John Chakirian arrived in Cashmere, Chelan County, to work as an apprentice to his uncles in their apple orchards.

The orchards grew into the world-recognized Aplets and Cotlets business.

And when he died March 19 in Kent, at age 79, after an extended illness, Mr. Chakirian had risen to become chairman of the board of the Liberty Orchards Co., makers of the sweet confections.

``I've done everything there is to do here, starting with firing the boiler with four-foot cordwood,'' Mr. Chakirian said in an interview when he retired 10 years ago.

He was born in Manchester, England, Aug. 16, 1911, and moved to Cashmere to join his uncles, Mark Balabanian and Armen Tertsagian, as an apprentice employee in their Liberty Orchards. He worked with the company for more than 50 years, and is credited with many innovations with the popular candies, with particular emphasis on packaging.

Liberty Orchards was founded in 1920, and Balabanian and Tertsagian remembered a childhood Armenian treat called ``rahat locum'' and began duplicating it. They originally called their product Aplets, later adding Cotlets and Grapelets.

Mr. Chakirian's improvements extended the shelf life of the candies, allowing them to be shipped further and displayed longer, while retaining their flavor.

Mr. Chakirian was particularly noted for his role as mentor to the company's current president, Greg Taylor.

Mr. Chakirian was active in the Lions; St. James Episcopal Church, and served on the board of the Cashmere Valley Bank.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Marie Chakirian; daughters Voski Chakirian-Sprague, of Lakebay; Candace McFarland, of Kent, and Mari Chakirian-Beckley, of Tumwater.

Memorial services were held Saturday at St. James in Cashmere. Remembrances were suggested to St. Joseph Hospital/Hospice, Box 2197, Tacoma, Wa. 98401.