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You Will Be Missed

Dear family and friends,

It is with sad hearts that we bring you the news of Ion's passing. He passed peacefully in his sleep September, 2012. He was an amazing photographer, son, friend, father and grandpa. The family has found so much comfort in hearing stories about ways that Ion has touched people's lives, so please continue to feel free to share stories, photos, and memories.

This blog will stay up in memory of him.

Ion Hartunian
1959 - 2012



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Jasmine I.: I'm so sorry to hear that. My condolences to his friends and family. I had the pleasure of meeting him at my brother and sister-in-law's engagement photos and then seeing him again at their wedding this past July. He had a kind heart and amazing talent. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.
Renee and Brian: Ion was such an amazing photographer, I am extremely saddened to hear this. We had the honor of working with him recently at our wedding and he made it very special for us, he will be missed.
Clay Evans: I coached Ion when he swam on the Santa Monica Swim Club. He was of High School age and came without much of a swim background as younger kid. He improved steadily and had a great work ethic that never wiped off that great smile. He did so well. Ion was tons of fun, with a good mischievous side to himself and put life in a good perspective, this made him a coach’s asset. I am saddened to hear this very sad news. My heart and best wishes are extended to all his family, his buddies and his lane mates in the pool. Clay Evans Swim Coach
Cori: I miss you!
Kathi M: I just heard this devastating news. We are heartbroken. Ion shot our daughter Jamie and son in law Andrew's wedding on July 1st. He became more than our photographer, he was a friend. Our prayers are with his family and friends at this time. He was so young, and so very talented. We feel honored to have known him this past year and blessed to have had him capture the precious moments in our daughter's life. He was truly one of a kind and his work and talent will live on through his amazing and beautiful work. We miss you Ion. You made a difference in our life. It will be hard to get over this very sad news.
Helen Katopodis: Ion was my neighbor during the great Palm Ave. era along with his mom, Virginia. My heart is broken. My love and condolences to Virginia, Jenny and Cori and their kids. He was such a sweetheart. We'll never forget you, Ion. Say hi to Karen.
Ashley Itzhakian: Ion was an excellent, hard working, determined photographer. Within the last year he did our engagement photos, my mom's wedding, and our wedding. We greatly enjoyed his approach to taking pictures and his friendly, warm personality that made us comfortable in front of the camera. We are very sad to see him go so suddenly and pray for comfort to his family and friends.
Carrie Cogbill & Bill Emhof: I am so saddened to hear about Ion. Ion was an amazing photographer and person. His postcard landed on my doorstep, when Bill and I were looking for a wedding photographer. When I saw the beautiful colors, I was absolutely intrigued. And his website, incredible. I knew Ion would be perfect for us, even before meeting him. Once I met him, there was no question that he was going to be the best photographer for us. Being a graphic artist myself, I could see how special his work was and that this was his passion. He was so calm and confident. We were so fortunate to work with him for our engagement pictures and wedding August 18th. Our condolences to his family and friends. He will be forever remembered. Carrie Cogbill Emhof and Bill Emhof.
Jamie H.: I was the Videographer for the Wedding below (Jamie & Andrew) and had the pleasure of working side by side with Ion all day long. I could not believe when I heard of his passing. Even though I knew him only for one full day, it was knowing him doing what he loved to do. His eye for beauty and attention to detail is evident in their beautiful photos below. He captured their day EXACTLY as it was: like a fairytale. Rest in peace Ion. It was great working with you. My condolences to your family. Your professionalism and talent will be sorely missed.
Janet: I miss you ION!! I cannot believe I will never cut your hair again or see you at the gym. You were a regular part of my life for some 27 years! My condolences to his daughters, his Mother, his grand kids who he will not see grow up. So very sad. Lizzy will miss you too.