It is with deep sadness that we share that our beloved and respected Basant Singh Chandna passed away on Monday, January 17, 2022, after a life so well lived. He will be dearly missed by his wife Amrit Kaur, son Sunny, daughter Bindu, son-in-law Veenu, grandchildren Sehej, Ajia and Mahi, his siblings, extended family, and dear friends.
Basant Singh, the eldest son of nine children, was born on September 26, 1937 in Lakki Marwat, pre-partition India.
In 1963, he began the quintessential immigrant story, making his way to London England, with eight pounds in his pocket, and endless dreams and determination in his heart.
In 1967, he married, his beautiful wife, Amrit. Together, they would be partners in every sense of the word, for the rest of their life together. In 1969, they welcomed their daughter Bindu to the world and in 1970, they came to Calgary Alberta, the city that would become their forever home. Later, that year, they welcomed their second child Sunny.
While working as a motorcycle mechanic in Calgary, together with his wife Amrit and best friend Rochi, he ventured to opening the city’s first Indian restaurant, the Taj Mahal in 1973. As proud owners until 2012, Basant and Amrit made the Taj Mahal restaurant a city icon and a benchmark of excellence, hospitality and cultural diversity.
His legacy, beyond creating an amazing life for his family, has been providing his extended family and friends opportunities to migrate to Canada and flourish. He has directly changed the trajectory of so many people’s lives. We share a deep sense of gratitude and pride that we were able to make this journey with him.
Funeral Ceremonies will be held at COUNTRY HILLS CREMATORIUM & FUNERAL SERVICES, 11995 16 Street NE on Thursday, January 20, 2022 at 1:00 pm.
Due to the city by-law all those attending in person must provide personal identification as well as either proof of double vaccination, or proof of a privately-paid negative rapid test result taken within 72 hours of service, or documentation of a medical exemption. Masks are also mandatory.
PLEASE NOTE THAT PROOF OF VACCINATION MUST NOW BE PROVIDED WITH A QR CODE.
Those wishing to watch the service from the comfort of their home may do so via this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82616380394
3 Comments
Sorry for the loss and condolences to Chandna family.
Regards,
Taran & Jaspreet Gill
A beautiful funeral service for a beautiful person. Bindu and Veenu, your speeches were so touching and such a loving tribute to uncle’s amazing life. Love, hugs and condolences to the entire Chandna family from all of us in Washington, DC.
Amrit, Bindu, and Sunny I am so sorry to here about your loss.
I remember going to the Taj Mahal as a kid and Bas taking me for rides in his hot rod. My mom also reminded me I use to call Taj Mahal Bas’s house as a kid. I loved going there not only for the food but to see Bas. He was such a kind and amazing person. Even though I haven’t seen him since the Taj Mahal was sold I feel like I have lost a dear friend. He will be missed.