Aykut 'Ike' Kazan

Aykut (Ike) Kazan, a resident of Hammond, Louisiana, was born in Ankara, Turkey on August 6, 1941, and passed into eternity on January 9, 2019. The oldest of six siblings, Aykut was loved and adored by his family; with each of his three brothers and two sisters considering him their favorite. As his father was in the Turkish military, the family moved numerous times throughout the country, giving Aykut a great love and appreciation for his home country. As a young man Aykut served in the Turkish military and while there, found an outlet for his lifelong love of music. After completing his military obligation, he worked as a professional musician with a band that became very well known in Turkey, playing in various venues, including USO clubs. Impressed with the American soldiers and interested in American culture, he immigrated to the United States and later became a Naturalized citizen. While never forsaking his beloved Turkey, his love and patriotism for the United States was deep. In addition to music, Aykut had an interest and passion for cooking, inspired by his Mother who was a master at making delicious and nutritious meals for her large family. With this foundation, he began a second career in the food industry. He worked in numerous places and was part owner of two different restaurants. After many years in the restaurant business, he began working in other areas of the food industry, which allowed him to have more time with family. Aykut loved God and loved people. His generosity, caring, and thoughtfulness embodied the quote attributed to St Francis of Assisi, “Share the gospel always; use words if necessary.” Aykut was preceded in death by his parents, Galip and Ifakat Kazancioglu, and a grand-daughter, Mary Madison McCarley. He is survived by his wife, Mary Gail Kazan, his son, Akin Kazancioglu, daughters Ilkin Dunne (Robert), Lori Kelley, and Carolyn McCarley (Clark), grandchildren Tanner Kelley, Burak Kandil, Clark McCarley Jr, Akin Kaya Kazancioglu, Mary Abigail Kelley, Cooper McCarley, Andrew Dunne, Miller McCarley, and Aaron Dunne. He is also survived by his dear brothers, Fikret Kazan & wife Charlene, Muammer Kazancioglu & wife Inci, Teoman Kazancioglu, sisters Halenur Onal and Handan Kazancioglu, Neslihan Cayhan, and numerous nieces and nephews. With a genuine love for people and his kind, humble, and generous spirit, Aykut made everyone he encountered feel important and loved. His leaving brings much sorrow and sadness for all who knew and loved him, and also joy in knowing that he is in heaven where there is no suffering or pain. A Celebration of Aykut’s life will be held on Saturday, January 12, at Woodland Park Baptist Church, with visitation from 9:00 am until the service at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Woodland Park Baptist Church Music Ministry in memory of Aykut Kazan.

Tributes

Aykut 'Ike' Kazan

August 6, 1941 - January 9, 2019