"Surinder & family - I am thinking of you as process such a tremendous loss to your family. I am so lucky to have worked with Gord for many years, just wish it could have been many more. He was a great colleague and will be missed by so many. "
In loving memory of
Gurninderjit Singh
February 10, 1968 - November 16, 2020
Gurninderjit Singh (February 10, 1968 - November 16, 2020), passed away unexpectedly on Monday evening, leaving behind his legacy of love and faith, as well as an outstanding amount of light that he shined with every breath of his life.
Gurninderjit was born in Dhanbad, Bihar, India to parents Narinder Singh Pelia and the late Ajit Kaur Pelia. His grandparents are the late Subedhar Man Singh and late Sardarni Harwant Kaur. He immigrated to Calgary, Alberta, Canada in 1977, where he spent much of his youth and completed his degree in software engineering. At the young age of 21, he married his wife, Surinder whom he spent 29 happy and blessed years with. In 1997, he moved to Rochester, Minnesota for work, with the intent of moving back to Canada after a few years, but decided to stay for the community and family he found here. He was lovingly called Goldy/Gord by all those closest to him and he lived to serve everyone, regardless of how well he knew them.
Gurninder was a hard-working, compassionate, and truly altruistic person. He was a loving husband, father, brother, son, friend, and beautiful light. He worked as a systems software engineer for CTG under IBM and volunteered as an instructor for Black Data Processing Associates for the Southern MN chapter for over a decade. He was serving as President of the Sikh Society of Rochester, MN, and loved Sikhi unconditionally, using it as guidance for every action he took and every decision he made. In his free time, Gurninder enjoyed watching the news (always at double speed for efficiency) and working in the yard and garden. He loved to talk to his family, near or far, he loved to play the tabla and listen to Sikh Gurbani day and night. Gurninder was not one to sit still, and kept himself busy by learning and sharing his knowledge with others. He cared so much for the environment, his family and friends, and future generations. He was incredibly proud of his wife and kids. He gave so much more than he took from this world, and will continue to bless the world from above.
He is survived by his beloved wife Surinder, his three children: Herchran, Prabhjot, and Gurasis, his father Narinder Singh Pelia, as well as all his sisters and brothers.
His family would like to offer sincere gratitude to friends, family, and the community for their support during these times.
The funeral is taking place on Saturday, November 21, 2020, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901. (507) 289-3600. Due to COVID-19 health concerns, masks are required at all services with proper social distancing measures. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Singh family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Zoom Meeting details. Topic: Visitation, Cremation Services and Prayer for Gurninderjit Singh
Time: Nov 21, 2020 02:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86983040736?pwd=VFluNVRIVEgybFMySDQwMGxpMDIrZz09
Meeting ID: 869 8304 0736 Passcode: SSRM
We are all saddened at the sudden and unexpected loss of our friend, husband and father, S. Gurninderjit Singh. He was a bedrock of the small Sikh and Indian community here in Rochester, beloved by all. We wish his atma(soul) finds peace with the almighty.
If you are interested in donating to help defray memorial and funeral costs, and provide help to his family for other costs you can do so here https://www.gofundme.com/f/rwnwt-ssrm?utm_
Sympathy cards can be mailed to the home:
6104 Hillsboro Dr N W , Rochester, MN 55901 Please join the family to lend support, in any way you can, during this time. On behalf of Sewadars of Sikh Society of Rochester, Minnesota (SSRM). https://www.ssrm.us/
Tributes
"Very sad to know about untimely demise .May Waheguru keep him on his ' Feet'. I pray to Sh.Guru Nanak ji to give courage to family to bear this irreparable loss and peace to them. Virendra Kumar Gulati, from Delhi currently visiting my daughter Sumedha. I had met Gurninder ji in Gurudwara last year. RIP"
"My thoughts and prayers for the family. I enjoyed working with Gurd at Keane. Always smiling and a pleasure seeing him throughout the years. May he Rest in Peace. Robyn Davis "
"Gord has been my friend and colleague for over twenty years. He was truly one of the good people of this world, always willing and eager to help others, or to sit and chat for a few minutes. He is missed. Surinder (and children), my heart goes out to you. "
"Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! The Beloved Community Belongs to Oneness, and So Does All It Achieves. The Khalsa family feels blessed to have known Gurninderjit Singh Ji, whom we always called Bhaji (Brother). His departure from this earth is an incomprehensible loss for his family and our whole community. The initial news of his sudden transition from this earth has come as a huge shock, and made our hearts teeter on anger, bitterness, and despair -like a final straw in what has already been a challenging year globally. Yet to succumb to these lesser inclinations would be to turn our back on the light and legacy of this profoundly kind and loving soul, who had such an unwavering, constant commitment to humbly serving the grace (Gurprasad) and royalty (Raj) of the Khalsa (Beloved Community). As we grieve we are reflecting on his profound legacy and his constant encouragement for us to grow in our commitment to seva (serving the upliftment of community) and the Guru's bani (sacred soundcurrent that is the creative source of all life). Thank-you Brother. You have taught us what it means to live as the brightest of Lights in this age of Kal Yug (dark times). Our hearts are broken, but we pray they may be broken open, so that we may rise to honor your life and legacy. Your human frame embodied the Truth (Aad Sach), and lived by the Truth (Dharma). You have now merged forever back into the realm of Truth (Sach Khand). Akal, Akal, Akal dear brother. For those who remain to continue the beauty, sweetness, and grace of your legacy -our gracious sister, Surinder Kaur, your beautiful three shining lights, your children- we send them the only Power, the ultimate Power we can call upon in these dark times. We send them our constant Love. Bhenji and family, in you, in Bhaji, and in your children we see the house of Nanak upheld on this earth. Please let us love you and serve you the way you have already accepted us, loved us, and served us. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! The Beloved Community Belongs to Oneness, and So Does All It Achieves. -The Khalsa Family (Tej Kaur, Siri Chand Singh, Har Rai Singh, and Baby Gobind Singh) "
"I still can't believe that Gord Bhaisahab is not with us any more. I got this painful news here in India, where I travelled 2 weeks back for my Dad's funeral. This does not feel real to me! A great teacher and mentor, Gordji conducted BDPA classes, where Vamika attended, Gordji was fun and joyful person and a delight to meet and talk to. Me and my family will always be grateful for time we had with Gord bhaisahab. His dedication, hard work, infectious smile will always be with anyone who came in contact with him. His family and kid's achievements are direct results of his life's work. We will always miss him dearly. Bhagwan unki aatma ko shanti de aur unke parivar ko is dukh se ladne ki shakti de ! -- Deepak Sharma (with Viraaj, Vamika, Seema Sharma)"
"It will be difficult to fill the loss of Goldy Bir, ?bhai Lalo and bhai Kanhiya of Rochester? He will always be remembered and will stay close to us in our hearts. "
"Your journey with us may have ended but, your memories will live on in our minds and hearts. Gentle, selfless, polite, genial, large-hearted, noble-- these are your memories with us and that is how you will be remembered. Most of us struggle all life to become what came so easy to you. Dear Gurninderjitji, Thank you for the honor you gave us to have known you. We miss you with very, very heavy hearts . Sadhna, Tanvi, Rhea and Manish Kohli"
"We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing away of our dear friend Gurninder. He was one of the most caring, loving and compassionate person we have ever met, someone always willing and ready to help others. May his soul Rest In Peace and may God give strength to dear Surinder, kids and family to bear this irreparable loss. Please accept out heartfelt condolences. Anil and Meena Madan. "
" I still can't believe that Gord isn't with us any more. I'm still living in the moments and memories we spent together since 1997. He was a kind, humble, caring, loving friend. It's hard to express feelings but sincere condolences for the family. Rafi A "
"An epitome of kindness, love and selfless service. In our hearts forever."
"Gord, the BDPA Southern Minnesota family will miss you. Thank you for your dedication to the youth of Rochester for volunteering to lead and teach computer technology. May your soul rest in peace. "
"I worked with Gord at IBM and knew him for many years. My sympathy to you in your deep loss. "
"I only knew Gord through work. But every time we had a conversation and the subjects of family, or his activities in the community, or his general interest to make the world a better place came up, you could feel the love and richness of his life burning brightly. I'll miss him terribly. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. "
"I?m at a loss for words. Gord was such a great man, father, husband and overall amazing friend. I met him through BDPA where I once was a student. I always enjoyed our conversations whenever I was back in town. Thank you for the work you did for the students in BDPA. You will be missed a lot. My deepest condolences to Gord?s family. "
"Gord and I met as part of BDPA through our shared passion of teaching and technology. I recall many enthusiastic discussions with him about software engineering and tech products. His devotion to helping others was inspirational and infectious. I will always remember Gord as a truly great man, father, community member, and friend. To meet Gord is to love him, and his passing leaves a hole in the hearts of so many. Gord, you have my unending respect and admiration. I will miss you and never forget you."
"What a tremendous loss. Gord's presence in the iGSC will be truly missed. As Giovanni said, he will remain in our hearts forever. My condolences to Gord's family. A story of Gord: During a holiday party, our teams were playing a game where each player had 10 coins. Each player would take turns and state one thing that they had never done before. For example, if a player states they have never been horse back riding, the other players that have been horse back riding forfeited a coin. The last person holding a coin, took all the other coins. The game was down to Gord and a few others with only a single coin left. Gord announced that he had never had his hair cut. The rest of the coins were thrown in the middle and Gord took the winnings!"
"My name is Harold Larsen Gord knew me as Chip and I worked with him at IBM. I really enjoyed working with Gord. He was so very helpful and intelligent. My sincerest empathy for your loss. Gord was a fantastic human being and will be missed by everyone. With ll I?ve, Chip Larsen "
"Dear Gord,
From that day in December 1997 when we first met at IBM, to the years together at Berkshire apartments to the weekend last month when you were helping me with your power-washer on our decks; you and your family have been near the nucleus of my own family.
Our lives will never be the same without you. And, as you have decided to complete the journey here and reached home, our families will cherish your memories, together. Sleep peacefully my friend until we meet again."
"Dear Gord,
From that day in December 1997 when we first met at IBM, to the years together at Berkshire apartments to the weekend last month when you were helping me with your power-washer on our decks; you and your family have been near the nucleus of my own family.
Our lives will never be the same without you. And, as you have decided to complete the journey here and reached home, our families will cherish your memories, together. Sleep peacefully my friend until we meet again."
"Goldi a soul of Sikh community in Rochester. The Gurdwara and the sangat will miss him like no other .He will be remembered always and will be missed every time we attend any event in Rochester.He was always willing to help everyone around him. God bless the departed soul and give strength to the family to carry his legacy forward."
"Dear Gord,
From that day in December 1997 when we first met at IBM, to the years together at Berkshire apartments to the weekend last month when you were helping me with your power-washer on our decks; you and your family have been near the nucleus of my own family.
Our lives will never be the same without you. And, as you have decided to complete the journey here and reached home, our families will cherish your memories, together. Sleep peacefully my friend until we meet again."
"Goldie was the stream of joy that over flowed. We will all be a little parched without his earthly presence. But we know his love will be ever eternal. We all miss you ? "
"My sincere condolences to Gords family and Sikh Community. I will miss him as a colleague and friend at the IBM community. May he find rest at the feet of the Almighty. He was a gentle soul and will forever be in our hearts. Rachel Koll"
"Remembering his wonderful and gentle soul will forever remain in our hearts. May he rest in peace. "
"Gord , I will miss you so much. Thanks for 25 years of accompaniment with thousand to memories that will last with me forever. I know you will love this passage from our holy scripture Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji ??? ???? ?????? ??? ???? ?????? ? sajan mere ra(n)gule jai sute jeeraan || ??? ???? ?????? ??? ???? ?????? ? My playful friends have gone to sleep in the graveyard."