Anup Singh Virk

Anup Singh Virk, age 79, of Modesto, CA, formerly of Punjab, India, passed away on October 14th 2023. Born in the village of Nadda, Gujranwala (now in Pakistan) on May 10th, 1944, he completed his Masters in Punjabi in 1972 from Punjabi University, Patiala. He taught Punjabi literature & language at various colleges for close to 40 years.

Anup was a professor, poet, dreamer, artist, revolutionary, husband, father & grandfather. Punjab was his first love & his muse was Punjabiat (identity & culture of Punjab). And his Punjab loved him back immensely- he received the highest state honor for poetry- Shiromani Punjabi Poet Award in 2001. He published over half a dozen books of poetry & a collection of selected works appeared in 2014 under the title of ‘Haazar Harf Hamesh’ (The Word Is Always Present’).

Anup was a humanist who opposed the divisive ideology of caste & religion. He opposed war in his poetry & inspired humanity to co-exist peacefully. Through his poetry, Anup encouraged a connection with one’s soul to find eternal peace & joy.

Anup was handsome, charming & the life of the party. He could captivate his audience for hours with his stories, humor & wit. He lived life to the fullest & on his own terms.

Anup celebrated 50 years of marriage to his wife, Asha, who was a loyal partner to him, through thick & thin. And despite all the ups & downs they both faced during 50 long years, they were inseparable. Anup taught his daughter, Nagma, to be bold, question the norm, follow her heart & not walk the beaten path.

Anup was predeceased by his sweet son, Shahzada Virk. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Asha Virk (nee Sidhu), his devoted daughter, Nagma Virk Clark, his caring son-in-law, Ian Joseph Clark & his most precious granddaughter, Kaimana Clark.

Friends & relatives are invited to his visitation on Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Lakewood Funeral Home in the Heritage Chapel, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA 95326. A prayer service will occur on Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, at Lakewood Funeral Home, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA 95326 followed by a witness cremation from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Bhog Ceremony will be held immediately following funeral at the Sikh Temple on 5743 E. Hatch Road Hughson, CA.