- Brandon Sun Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
BALBIR SINGH SANDHU
Born: Nov 09, 1942
Date of Passing: Jul 28, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryBALBIR SINGH SANDHU
It is with a mixture of sadness for our loss and heartfelt gratitude for his exemplary life, that we announce the passing of Sardar Balbir Singh Sandhu. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, elder brother, uncle and revered member of the Punjabi community in Winnipeg. He passed away peacefully on July 28, 2024, at the age of 81 surrounded by his loving wife, children, and family.
Balbir was born in Punjab, India, on November 9, 1942. He arrived to Canada in 1965, at the age of 22, for graduate studies in electrical engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. He brought with him a vision of opportunity and a deep commitment to family and community service. In 1969, upon completion of his master's degree in electrical engineering, he moved to Winnipeg for work opportunities. In Winnipeg, alongside his professional career and raising his family, he was involved in multiple community organizations, fundraising campaigns, and volunteer efforts. He was one of the pioneering Sikh immigrants in Manitoba, playing a crucial role in facilitating the immigration and establishment of much of the early Punjabi community. After fifty years of living in Winnipeg, he moved to Calgary in 2019 to be closer to his children and grandchildren.
His greatest pride and joy were his family. He is survived by his wife Nirmal, his children Amonpreet (Rajvir) and Manjot (Navi), his grandchildren (Avani, Veerin, Sohrin, Sobha and Jindh), his siblings, and his extended family and friends who will forever hold his memory close.
A memorial service to celebrate Balbir's remarkable life will be held at the Country Hills Crematorium & Funeral (11995 16 St NE, Calgary) on Sunday, August 4, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., followed by prayers at the Dashmesh Culture Centre (Calgary).
Live Stream: https://us02web.zoom.us /j/82148059163
We will also be honouring Balbir with an Akhand Path at the Gurudwara that he helped found, the Winnipeg South Sikh Centre (Winnipeg) on August 22 to 24, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations can be made to either the Winnipeg South Sikh Centre (Winnipeg) or the Brenda Strafford Foundation (Calgary) in his memory, continuing his legacy of community enrichment.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 31, 2024, Jul 31, 2024
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
-
It was very nice to meet uncle Ji in 1988 when I moved to Canada. He visited me with his children in Robin on Christmas of 1988. He visited me several times when I moved to British Columbia. He was an extremely kind and understanding gentleman. May his soul rest in peace. - Posted by: Jagtar rai (Acquaintance) on: Feb 23, 2025
-
My Sincere Condolences to the family. May his soul rest in heaven and in peace !!! - Posted by: Narinder Dhaliwal (Friend) on: Aug 23, 2024
-
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Balbir. I worked with Balbir during the commissioning of Limestone Generating Station in 1990 - 92. He was very knowledgeable and committed to his work. It did not take long to know Balbir as a kind, personable and patient man. - Posted by: Doug Turner (Co worker) on: Aug 04, 2024
-
Our sincere condolences to Nirmal Sandhu and family for the loss. Balbir and the Sandhu family had made a lot of contributions to Manitoba and to Indian and Sikh community in Winnipeg. He contributed much to the welfare of the community. Balbir was also a very talented engineer and contributed much toward the development of Manitoba Hydro infrastructure. Balbir and family were excellent neighbors. We will miss him much. May he rest in Peace 🙏 - Posted by: Amarjit Chadha (Friend ) on: Aug 04, 2024
-
I met Balbir in September 1967 when were in the same apartment complex near the Manitoba Hydro power dam in Grand Rapids. We were both in our early 20’s in age. We listened to music, and Barbie was kind enough to share his culture, and he taught me a few courtesy phrases in Punjabi such as (“Sat s’ri akal” )and their proper use. Over the years I have never forgotten his kindness and his dedication to his family and culture. Sat s’ri Amal, my friend. Thank you for your kindness and wisdom. - Posted by: Jim Taylor (Friend in 1967) on: Aug 02, 2024