STOCKTON, CA: Major S. Sandhu, a prominent Sikh leader and secretary of the Pacific Coast Khalsa Diwan Society, passed away on April 3, 1990 in Modesto, California. He was 77 years old. Funeral services and cremation were held at the De Young Memorial Chapel in Stockton, California on Friday April 6, 1990. Many friends and Relatives attended the last rites.

Major Sandhu son of Sardar and Sardarni Dalip Singh Sandhu was born in Sahib Chak #337 in District Lyallpur, now in Pakistan. He received his matriculation from Gojra High School and F.A. from Govt College, Lyallpur. In 1935 he joined the military and served in the regiments of the Sind Horse, later known as Skinner’s Horse. He spent most of his military career in the prestigious Armed Corps. He married Harbhajan Kaur, daughter of S. Karam S. Bains, Advocate of Mahilpur, and District Hoshiarpur in 1939. He was commissioned 2ndLtin 1948 and retired as a Major in April 1967. His last military assignment was in Leh, Ladakh, on the India/China border. He was a very dedicated, popular and disciplined officer. An avid sportsman, he excelled in hockey, bicycle polo and horse polo.

During the India/Pakistan partition in 1947 the Sandhu family had to leave their Sahib Chak property and were rehabilitated at Vairowal Dist. Amritsar, The family immigrated to the USA in Dec 1973 and selected Stockton as their residence,

Major Sandhu was a well-known social worker and devoted Sikh. He was associated with the management committee of the historic Stockton Gurdwara for a long time. In the last days of his life he was serving as Secretary of the Gurdwara Management Committee. Many Indian and Pakistani immigrants remember how he taught them English to help them adjust to life in the USA. For several years he volunteered his service for the Stockton Library and the Stockton City Literacy program for which he was duly recognized. He considered education the path to peace among people of all religions and races.

Major Sandhu is survived by his wife Harbhajan Kaur, son Roop Inder Singh (Sukhjit Kaur), daughters Bhupinder Kaur, Dr. Avtarinder Kaur(WOO Dr. Mohinder S. Nijjar), and Maninder Kaur(WOO Dr. Gurinder Singh). His beloved son, Flying Officer Balinder Singh left for his heavenly abode at age 23in 1973. Major Sandhu is greatly missed by his Family and three grandchildren, Simi Dhillon (17), Sonia Nijar (7), and Poonam Sandhu (3). He is also survived by his five brothers, S. Channan Singh, Wing Commander Dilbagh Singh, S. Hardyal Singh, S. Iqbal Singh and Dr. Swaran Singh.

The bhog ceremony of the Sejh Path of Guru Granth Sahib was held on Saturday April 14, 1990 at Gurdwara Sahib in Stockton. Always a friend to all, he helped those who needed assistance. He did this while impressing upon others through his actions his motto, “God helps those who help themselves’’ HimmatIMardan, MadadIKhuda.

Major Sandhu is survived by his wife Harbhajan Kaur, son Roop Inder Singh (Sukhjit Kaur), daughters Bhupinder Kaur, Dr. Avtarinder Kaur (W/O. Dr. Mohinder S. Nijjar), and Maninder Kaur (W/O Dr. Gurinder Singh). His beloved son, Flying Officer Balinder Singh left for his heavenly abode at age 23 in 1973. Major Sandhuis greatly missed by his Family and three grandchildren, Simi Dhillon (17), Sonia Nijar (7), and Poonam Sandhu (3). He is also survived by his five brothers, S. Channan Singh, Wing Commander Dilbagh Singh, S. Hardyal Singh, S. Iqbal Singh and Dr. Swaran Singh.

Article extracted from this publication >> April 20, 1990