Karam Singh Sahota

Our beloved father and grandfather passed away peacefully, just after midnight on February 2, 2016, at the age of 86. Karam Singh is predeceased by his loving wife, Mohindar Kaur and devoted son, Mick. He will be dearly missed by his children, Vickey, George (Cheryl), Sindy, Jeeta and grandchildren, Twila(Noel), Jason(Jazmine), Jeremy(Kim), Derek, Ryan, Brent, Kristina, Devin and great grandchildren Logan and Makenna.

Karam Singh fought a long and courageous 35 year battle with Parkinson disease. He was determined to overcome every obstacle with the greatest spirit and commitment to make his quality of life better each and every day. He was extremely blessed with the most special care from his cherished daughter and primary care giver Jeeta. He enjoyed right up to his last days frequent visits from his children and grandchildren, a favorite meal of curry and a daily delicious dessert of cake and ice cream.

Karam Singh was born in Ocean Falls, B.C. and at the age of 6 months in 1930 he boarded the S.S. President Taft ship with his parents embarking from Victoria enroute to Punjab, India. He lost both parents at a very young age and in 1949 he traversed on a long journey back to Canada by himself in hopes of building a better life when he was able to send for his new bride. He was self-taught in the English language eager to learn and appreciate Canadian culture and was invited to join the Canadian Reserves as a member of the Artillery division in 1950. He was a devout Sikh who earned the greatest respect from his peers for his commitment and devotion to his community, church and family. He worked tirelessly as a servant of God in the Gurdwaras’; recruited to read the Holy Scriptures at the 2nd avenue temple, was a founding member of Vancouver’s Akali Singh and Khalsa Diwan Society. Karam Singh’s enduring strength and spirit led him to make weekly visits to Akali Singh Temple where he would find peace with God.

Karam Singh was proud to be a member of the International Woodworkers of America where he worked alongside his friends on the green chain until retirement. During those prosperous years he and his wife encouraged and sponsored countless Indian families to join them here in Canada. He counselled many to seek opportunities to purchase their first home, secure a job at the sawmill and adapt to Canadian cultures and values.

Karam Singh will be remembered as one of the rarest gems, who always had the kindest word for every person, offered help and service in many ways, showed compassion, unconditional love and support for all.

The family would like to thank the kind and caring administration and the entire staff at the Villa Carital Care Home, where beautiful friendships developed with our family and Dad received the best of attention and care for the past 20 years. Please consider donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation of Canada, BC branch in lieu of flowers.

Funeral Service will be held at Hamilton Harron Funeral Home, 5390 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC on Wednesday, February 10, 2016, at 10am. Following the funeral service, prayers and lunch at Akali Singh Sikh Temple, 1890 Skeena Street, Vancouver.