Pawan Kumar Singal

Dr Pawan Kumar Singal

Oct 2, 1946 – Jun 6, 2023

It is with profound sadness we share the news of the passing of our beloved Dr. Pawan Singal.

He is survived by his children Rohit, daughter-in-law Deepa and grandchildren Shayar and Aria and his daughter Mona, son-in-law Kunal and grandchildren Jiya and Ava. He is remembered by his siblings Ashok (Deepa), Vinod (Sylvia), Urmil (Dinesh), Subash (Kamlesh), Rekha (Kulbhushan) and eldest brother Bhup Chand (Kanta). He was predeceased by his wife and soulmate Rupinder; father and mother, Ram Dhari and Ram Pyari; in-laws Col. Kalyan Singh and Harbans Kaur Sandhu, his brother Bal (Sheila) and his beloved youngest sister Sangeeta (Ramesh). He is also remembered and missed by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends from all over the world, each of whom enjoyed his kind and easy manner; the Pawan Singal charm that made them feel so special.

Born in Dhuri, Punjab, India, Pawan’s early life was spent in a village (Mohamedpur) on the family farm. He was greatly bonded to his paternal grandfather and often told stories of the things he observed and learned from him in his youth. He is described as having been born with great ambition and from an early age sought to explore the world beyond his own four corners. His academic pursuits eventually took him to Punjab University in Chandigarh where he attained his BSc and MSc and met the love of his life, Rupinder. Pawan pursued his PhD at the University of Alberta and once joined by Roop in Edmonton, they were married in small court ceremony in 1974. They enjoyed a fascinating exploration of life in Canada with great friends, moving to Saskatoon where Rohit was born and eventually settling in Winnipeg where Mona was born.

Therein began a long history of settling and supporting family members from India, all of whom lived with Pawan and Roop before moving on to successful personal and professional lives across North America. The quintessential family man, his family was not just his wife and kids but more so this larger pride of members who lived in their home as they started their lives and families. Pawan and Roop supported them all with steady resolve and a deep sense of caring and sharing.

Academically Pawan was a force. After starting his career as a student and lecturer at Punjab University he spent the majority of his academic career at the University of Manitoba where he rose to the rank of Full Professor in the Department of Physiology. Over his career, he served as the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies (University of Manitoba) as well as the Director of the St. Boniface Hospital Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences leading the Institute with integrity and grace. He was a pioneer in the area of oxidative stress and heart failure and became a world leader on the topic.

Over his forty year career Pawan obtained numerous grants, published over 300 manuscripts and trained numerous students setting them off on their own research careers; many of whom rose to great heights. Continuing to work right up until he was struck with his illness at the age of 76, he still had multiple manuscripts in progress and was determined to see through the mentorship of his final graduate student. He enjoyed and was most proud of the relationships he built across the world with colleagues and collaborators. A social being through and through, he cherished these close connections and ties and not surprisingly was beloved by this research “family”. Roop accompanied him on his research journey and also became an adored member of this international community, traveling extensively with Pawan enjoying new cultures, cuisines and customs. Being hosted at a party at Roop and Pawan’s home was a highlight for many global scientists during their visits to Winnipeg.

Pawan was an enigma. His special quality was the time and energy he had for all who needed his help and time; he always gave it with gentle grace. Beyond the time invested in family and work he was also an avid community leader and volunteer; playing a significant role in the coordination and fundraising for the development and construction of the new Hindu Temple and Dr. Raj Pandey Hindu Center. Countless meetings for said activities were stacked on countless other demands and yet his time seemed easy and he was never in a rush or rushing others.

Despite his ready availability for the world when it demanded his time, there was never a moment where Pawan’s devotion and availability to Roop, Rohit and Mona waivered. Often described as a father figure by the youth he mentored over the years, he was the dearest, most inspiring husband and father. Rohit and Mona credit that detailed attention and love as the foundation of their own family and professional success. While reviews of report cards were certainly a focus, so was driving to hockey and soccer games, travel, movies, music, fine foods, Jets and Bomber games. Life progressed through the great times of monster weddings and the arrival of grandchildren and also darker times. When Roop developed ovarian cancer Pawan doted over her providing whatever she needed to manage until she succumbed in 2015. He was deeply wounded by this, now having to find a new balance in life without her.

He continued professionally to his very last days and enjoyed immensely with his children and grandchildren traveling to Hawaii, Mexico and throughout British Columbia including Whistler, Kelowna and Vancouver Island. A planned move to BC to be closer to his children was not meant to be as he was struck with lymphoma and despite the most astonishing strength and resolve, was lost after an intense battle with the illness.

With a reputation for his strength as a communicator, his sense of humour and a personality that matched his tall and broad frame, he exceled in all facets of life and gave immensely to all with joy, patience and grace; the true embodiment of loving kindness. A gentleman and a scholar, Dr. Pawan Singal was truly a legend.

The family is ever thankful to the nurses, care aides, physicians and staff on 6E at St Boniface Hospital as well as the entire team in the ICMS where the last days of his life were spent with superb attention to his needs and dignity.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Manitoba Cancer Care or the St Boniface Research Foundation.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, June 11, 2023 at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivary Boulevard. For those who wish to join virtually can select the Join Livestream link below

Shanti Paath and Prayers in the evening at Hindu temple at 999 St. Anne’s Road at 6 pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the Singal family.