Obituary of Vecihi Sezen

Vecihi Sezen March 16, 1921 - January 27, 2017 Resident of Pebble Beach Vecihi Sezen entered this world on March 16, 1921 in Ordu, a port city along the Black Sea coast of Turkey. He was the second oldest child in his family. He had one older sister, Bakiye and 2 younger sisters, Fevziye and Solmaz. He was a wonderful, imaginative child. Vecihi excelled as a student. He had artistic and musical talent. He was also an avid and gifted sportsman. He was a soccer goalie and ran track for the University of Ankara. He was a champion downhill skier. He was also an avid tennis player. During World War II he was an artillery officer for the Turkish army. He also became a skilled horseman. He always wanted to be an architect, but had to settle for agricultural engineering, in which he obtained a BS from the University of Ankara. After the war he was one of the top four contestants, out of 3000, that won a scholarship to study for a MS in engineering in the USA. It was in Washington DC that he met Doris Calkins. After a brief romance they wed. Vecihi's scholarship was discontinued due to their marriage. Shortly after the birth of his first son, Aral in 1950, Vecihi and Doris left Washington DC and drove to California. It was in California that he was hired to work with the US Army at Fort Ord as a language instructor in Turkish. He eventually relocated to the Presidio of Monterey. It was there that he taught Turkish to Army soldiers for 30 years. He was well liked and was asked to teach summer programs at the University of Princeton on two occasions. Eventually he became a course developer for the US Army at the Presidio of Monterey. He wrote several text books. His text books were used across the USA at various Universities. Some of his books are in the Library of Congress. He would also illustrate his own books. Eventually the USA military allowed Vecihi to obtain his MA in Linguistics. Vecihi also had a great talent for art. He minored in art at the University of Ankara. He spent his time away from teaching doing several beautiful oil paintings. He also worked as an illustrator for magazines, did cartooning and created Christmas cards for the US military. He collaborated on a comic strip for the Monterey Herald, he did the artwork. He would make side money doing portraits of officers and their families. He was also gifted with the violin, guitar, mandolin and piano. He made money in Turkey playing in various bands. Vecihi and Doris had 2 more boys, Kent in 1958 and Kevin in 1962. Kent and Kevin were born in Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach respectively. His greatest achievement was the devotion he showed his sons. He was a mentor to them. Kent Sezen is a Structural Engineer who has his own business. Kevin Sezen has worked in many high level capacities. Vecihi and Kevin remained close through the years. There were challenging times. Nonetheless, Vecihi remained steadfast in seeing Kevin attain the level of success he enjoys now. Eldest son Aral retired from the banking industry after 21 plus years. Vecihi was also a well loved raconteur. His love of political, religious discussion won admirers of all ages. He could speak his mind on divisive issues and unite people, especially younger people of all viewpoints into a single admiration of his wisdom. He also had many stories to tell. The stories were true anecdotes that provided humor, entertainment and most of all great lessons to people of all ages, walks and persuasions. He truly loved people and life itself. His artistic interests and likes moved with the times. He was always open to new talent and quality. Finally, he loved his dogs. He is more than missed. His memory will not fade. The wonderful effect he had on the lives of his sons and the friends of his sons will not fade. His artwork survives. His talent as a father, friend, speaker and artist will not be forgotten. His artwork is kept in the collections of his three sons. Vecihi Sezen passed away at his home in Pebble Beach, California January 27, 2017. He was predeceased by his wife Doris, February of 2000 and his three sisters. He left this life from the place he wanted to be for that event. His son, Kevin Sezen, was at his side when he passed. The cause of death was complications from the flu. He was 95 years old. He is survived by his 3 sons, Aral of Vancouver, Washington, Kent of San Jose and Kevin of Pebble Beach, California, and 5 grandchildren. The funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 1pm at The El Carmelo Cemetery, 68 Asilomar Avenue, Pacific Grove, California 93950. Service Information