One of Donald Trump’s idols in the business world may come as a surprise. He was little known, and liked it that way. He was a daring pilot during World War II. And on the playing fields of deal-making, he was the future president’s polar opposite—the very embodiment of self-discipline, humility and grace under pressure.

By Harut SassounianPublisher, The California Courierwww.TheCaliforniaCourier.com

By Harut SassounianPublisher, The California Courierwww.TheCaliforniaCourier.comSince his passing on June 15, thousands of journalists have highlighted Kirk Kerkorian’s amazing business accomplishments and substantial charitable contributions. However, these journalists had never met this great man, as he rarely gave interviews to the media.

WASHINGTON, DC - The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) mourns the loss of Kirk Kerkorian, who passed away on Monday, June 15, 2015 at the age of 98. Kerkorian was a well-respected businessman, philanthropist, and an iconic leader of the Armenian American community. The youngest of four children, Kerkorian was born in Fresno, California to Armenian immigrant parents and exemplified the very best of what it meant to be an Armenian in America.

Kirk Kerkorian is 97 years old and worth $4 billion. The one time owner of MGM, and wealthy Las Vegas real estate and casino over ( he also owned the MGM Grand), is not done, however. He still has one more wish. My sources tell me that Kerkorian is funding a secret feature film about the Armenian genocide that took place concurrent with World War I.