YEREVAN. – People in Armenia’s capital city of Yerevan on Friday bid their last farewell to Diaspora Armenian businessman, public activist, and benefactor Vahakn Hovnanian.

Hovnanian’s friends and relatives as well as political and cultural figures attended his wake.

The philanthropist’s body was taken out from the Chamber Music Hall building with a live accompaniment of the song “Kilikia (Cilicia)” performed by his twelve-year-old granddaughter, Gayane.

“He loved it a lot when I performed this song at his 80th birthday,” said Gayane before performing the song. “So, grandpa, this is for you.”

On the same day, Vahakn Hovnanian’s body will be taken to the Lebanese capital city of Beirut, where a farewell ceremony and memorial service will be held at the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Afterward, his body will be brought back to Armenia.

It is not yet known where Hovnanian will be laid to his eternal rest.

Vahakn Hovnanian passed away Monday in Yerevan.

Hovnanian was born on February 16, 1932 in Iraq.

His charitable projects have targeted the preservation and development of Armenian culture as well as tourism development in Armenia.

Vahakn Hovnanian was also member of the America-Israel Friendship Council.