November 9, 1942 – July 28, 2024

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 acrucial role in facilitating the immigration and establishment ofmuch 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.

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.