Mikhail Khodjaiants

Mikhail Yurievich Khodjaiants
January 22, 1951 – May 30, 2019

Miraculously without pain or suffering, Mikhail (Misha) Yurievich Khodjaiants age 68 passed suddenly in his sleep on May 30, 2019, in Ottawa, Ontario. Mikhail was born in Yerevan, Armenia on January 22, 1951, and was predeceased by his parents Yuri Mikhailovich Khodjaiants and Arfenya Alekssandrovna Davidova.

Gone too soon, his presence will live on through his generosity so great it could be spread over many lifetimes and still be abundant. Mikhail is survived by his wife Clara Wicke, his stepson Andrew Higgerty, and his younger sister Irina Khodjaiants.

A great mind is lost with Mikhail's passing, the extent of which is not widely known due to his humble and quiet nature. Mikhail's software engineering expertise influenced the development world over many decades. He was an expert in his field and considered an admirable leader by his colleagues at Mentor Graphics, Code Sourcery, ARM, and QNX Software Systems to name a few. His work and Ph.D. opened a door for him to leave Moscow and come to Canada in 1998, but he always remained connected to his Armenian roots and the friendships he formed in Yerevan and Moscow from childhood and university days. In Ottawa, Mikhail continued the healthy and active lifestyle he established as a young tennis player in Yerevan and Moscow.
His love for tennis drew him to the Ottawa Tennis and Lawn Bowling Club (OTLBC) during the summer and the Ottawa Athletic Club (OAC) for winter tennis. There, many genuine friendships formed his Canadian family, and his elegant backhand and heavy hitting would lay the foundation for many tennis partnerships. On and off the courts, Mikhail carried himself with selflessness and kindness. This is what attracted his wife and fellow tennis player, Clara to him.

In July 2012 Clara and Mikhail married; his role as stepfather fully embraced without any question or hesitation. What made him most happy was his ability to help Clara. And he did. From children's birthday parties to homework help to teaching Andrew how to ride his bicycle, Mikhail was always a hands-on, yet respectful stepfather and giving husband. The lasts gift Mikhail gave Clara was a festive 50th birthday celebration just 11 days before his passing. It would later be learned that Mikhail's life was prolonged due to his high activity level and healthy habits.
Now we can give back to Misha. Promoting a healthy lifestyle in honour of him will enable many generations to live longer and have time for charitable work or offer meaningful gifts. In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation to the Ottawa Tennis and Lawn Bowling Club through their partnership with the National Sports Trust Fund. Please indicate “in Memory of Mikhail” with your donation at www.otlbc.com/donate, indicating Project #121 .

A funeral mass for Mikhail will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2019, at 11:00am at St. George's parish, 415 Piccadilly Ave. N, Ottawa ON K1Y 0H3. Please join Clara, Andrew and Irina downstairs for a reception in the parish hall following the mass.

"You do not have a soul, you are a soul. You have a body" -C.S. Lewis