In Memory of Al Gayzagian

Former President of the MAB Board of Trustees and long-time MAB supporter Al Gayzagian passed away January 18, 2010.

"Al Gayzagian was an amazing man, a leader in the blind and sighted community," said MAB CEO Barbara Salisbury.

Mr. Gazaygian was diagnosed with cancer more than a year ago but maintained his spirit and humor throughout his treatment, leaving his hospital bed to honor David and Sydney Feldman at MAB's 2009 Gala last April. The Feldmans were recipients of the Al Gazaygian Lifetime Achievement Award, named for their long-time friend. Sydney volunteered for Al through MAB's Volunteers for Vision Program, honoring its 50th anniversary with the launch of the Volunteer Endowment Campaign.

Mr. Gayzagian served on the MAB Board for fifty years, joining in 1959 (the year the Volunteer Program began.) He also served on the Boards of National Braille Press and Perkins School for the Blind, and for the Watertown Commission on Disabilities and the Governor’s Council on Employment of Handicapped.

"Persons who are blind like me or have other disabilities are clearly better off than they were 50 years ago," he wrote in 1998 for the 50th anniversary report of his Harvard class. "Technological advances, public education efforts, and legislation have enabled us to become more vital and accepted parts of society."

Though a Harvard graduate, Mr. Gayzagian found few work opportunities for those without sight. He finally landed a job as a typist at John Hancock Insurance, transcribing tapes from dictation machines. During the next 39 years, he rose to become a senior official at John Hancock, overseeing corporate planning. Along the way, he helped many others with disabilities gain employment and overcome barriers to achieve success.

"He was a man who made a difference in the lives of countless people, helping them get jobs and move on in their career," Salisbury said. "We were very lucky to have his enduring wisdom and guidance."