Jay Accashian, 45, of Denver, Colo., died peacefully September 13 at Denver Hospice, from pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his wife Kristin, family, and friends. He was born January 17, 1972, and was raised by Carmen and John Accashian in Newtown.

Mr Accashian graduated from Newtown High School, where he enjoyed lacrosse and football. He always had a love for the outdoors; he was an outstanding fly fisherman, and he loved golf.

He received a bachelor's and master's degree in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Connecticut. He went on to have a successful career as a licensed professional engineer in Denver, where he made his home.

Mr Accashian was known for being full of life, gregarious, and had a special talent for bringing like-minded people together. He arranged annual family reunions in Rhode Island and threw epic Christmas parties at his home, where he hosted large groups of friends and family, serving his signature Armenian string cheese, cheoreg, and baked ham.

When diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on October 25, 2016, Mr Accashian and Kristin set out on travel adventures. They enjoyed scuba diving, fly fishing, snowboarding, natural hot springs, trips to Winter Park, Colo., and hiking. More than 50 family and friends gathered to celebrate his birthday this past January in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Mr Accashian felt "blessed" by the outpouring of love and support he received throughout his life from his family and friends.

His wife, Kristin Accashian of Denver; mother, Carmen Accashian of Newtown; father, John Accashian of Salem, N.H.; brother, Ken Accashian of Seymour; brothers and sisters-in-law, Dave and Teri Accashian of Pine, Colo., and Bruce and Suzanne Accashian of McConnells, S.C.; sister and brother-in-law, Arleen and Steve Medve of Kennebunk, Maine; and his many nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles survive him.

Mr Accashian was an inspiration to family and friends and was the love of their lives who will be sadly missed.pancan.org.

Memorial contributions may be made to further pancreatic cancer research at Pancreatic Cancer Action Network by visiting