AGBU President Sam Simonian, who knew him both personally and as a fellow board member, had this to say: "Sarkis Demirdjian is a household name and sort of folk hero in Lebanese Armenian and mainstream circles. He possessed the clout and influence to turn material resources and connections into tangible benefits for important charitable causes. His legendary business acumen was widely respected, and his community leadership greatly admired. Yet it was his quiet dignity and modesty that made an especially deep impression on me."