Obituary of Gurcharan Singh DHILLON

 

Throughout his life, Gurcharan was driven by his adventurous spirit, strong convictions, and loyal heart.

Born in Damala to Gurdip Kaur Dhillon (née Bajwa) and Harnam Singh Dhillon, Gurcharan’s life had humble beginnings: at age four, in the midst of Partition, his family fled to what would become Gurcharan’s beloved hometown of Qadian. Despite lacking resources and connections, Gurcharan had the idea of coming to Canada to study. (His mother affectionately called him Sheikh Chilli – a dreamer!) With his precise penmanship, a love of the English language, and the encouragement of his instructors, Gurcharan excelled in his studies and, in 1968, left India with a mere $8 in his pocket, en route to Carleton University to complete his Master’s Degree in Engineering. Throughout his career, he consistently sought new positions, responsibilities, and challenges, culminating in a role as an advisor to ExxonMobile. From his beginnings as a young refugee boy in India, Gurcharan had successfully established a rewarding engineering and management career in Canada.

He was deeply spiritual, and considered it the ‘greatest day of his life’ when he was accepted as a disciple of the Sant from Beas. Over the next 45 years, he would return to Beas and the feet of his Master whenever he was able. He enjoyed traveling, once trekking overland from Europe through the Middle East to India, drawn back to his birthplace, the village of Damala. Through his travels and at home, Gurcharan enjoyed meeting new people and sharing stories, developing deep and enduring friendships.

Gurcharan felt strongly that ‘family is the most important thing’; he deeply loved and valued both the family he was born into and the family he created. As his parents’ eldest son, Gurcharan was a foundational member of his family. He deeply respected his parents and, from a young age, worked alongside his father to support his family and offer guidance to his six siblings: Swarn, Jeetan, Prem, Nimmi, Cuckoo and Neetoo. After having immigrated to Canada himself, Gurcharan was proud to assist his parents and younger siblings in their own immigration. Gurcharan felt fortunate to meet Carol, a woman who was, like himself, from a rural area, vegetarian, and following Sant Mat. They married in 1981, traveling together before building their family. His three children, Misha Chandini, Christopher Jasdeep (Niku), and Mira Stephanie, were the delight of his life. He was deeply proud of his ‘shining stars,’ and worked hard to offer them opportunities to succeed.

Although Gurcharan will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, he asked that we not be sad, because he is returning home.