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| R.I.P. |
HUNDREDS of people are expected to turn out to say goodbye to a grandfather of six described as a pillar of Southampton’s Sikh community.
At least 200 people are expected to attend the funeral of Kartar Singh, described as a man who invested his own time and money to always help others.
The 81-year-old, of Saville Close, Bishopstoke, died on September 18, following a battle with cancer.
Son Ravinder, 50, said: “He touched the hearts of many through his generosity and dedication to upholding the Sikh religion and purpose.
“He was very caring and devoted his entire life to the wellbeing of us children.”
Retiring from a 50-year career as a civil engineer, Mr Singh became increasingly involved in the community. He was a founder member of the Shabab Yug books, which help people understand the Sikh religion better, was Sikh advisor to the previous Southampton mayor, frequently featured on Punjab Radio, lectured on Sikhism in schools and did voluntary work for the Southampton Children’s Play Association.
Born in Patiala, India, the father-of-three moved to the UK to create a better life for his children.
Arriving in 1963 with just the equivalent of £1 in his pocket – all he was allowed to take under the restrictions at the time – he worked for a year to earn enough money to bring his family over.
Mr Singh and his late wife Jagdish moved from London to Eastleigh in 1980 for Mr Singh’s work at road construction contractors Mott Macdonald, in Stoneham Lane.
Close friend Satpal Kaur, of Swaythling, who cared for Mr Singh for the last ten years, said: “He gave his own time for the community – time and money.
“Anybody who needed help he always supported them.”
Dr Sarup Singh Alag, 75, a close friend, who spoke from India, said: “He was a man who was complete in every sphere.
“He was honest, he was dedicated to helping others, he was a selfless worker, he had all the qualities that a human being can possess. He’ll be remembered in the Southampton community for years to come.”
Another close friend Manmuhan Singh Roath said: “He was one of the pillars of the Sikh community.”
A viewing of the body and personal prayers will be held tomorrow at the Gurdwara Nanaksar Sikh temple in Southampton from 12pm, followed by the funeral at Wessex Vale Crematorium in West End, with prayers and readings of the scripture.
Prayers will then be held afterwards at the temple.