Narindra Singh Sehmi

In Loving Memory of Narindra (Nindi) Singh Sehmi

February 23, 1929 – February 9, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we bid farewell to Narindra (Nindi) Singh Sehmi, our beloved father, Dadaaji, and Nanaaji. Narindra was born in the picturesque city of Nairobi, Kenya, on February 23, 1929 (officially recorded as January 1, 1929), to his proud parents, Bishan Singh Sehmi (born in Nawanpind) and Sant Kaur Bhatt (born in Nawanpind), who hailed from Punjab, India. He peacefully passed away at home surrounded by family in Victoria, BC, Canada, at the venerable age of almost 95 years.

Nindi was a beacon of inspiration as a husband, father, and grandfather. He leaves behind a legacy in his children, Havind and Rasna (Bill), and his cherished grandchildren, Sahjun, Serena (Joe), and Talia.

Nindi and Surindra lived happily in Victoria, in the house they purchased when they arrived in 1974 until the untimely passing of Surindra – his wife of almost 60 years – in November 2020.

Nindi was born at the family home – his father’s quarters in the precincts of East African Power and Lighting Company, on Limuru Road. For most of his school years, he lived here with his parents and seven siblings but later moved to live with his oldest brother Parvin Singh Sehmi when Bishan Singh passed away.

Nindi was born prematurely and was always physically behind others his age, hence he did not take part in any outdoor school activities or recreational sports. He was, however, an avid reader and spent most of his school hours studying in the library. He excelled in English and academic readings and completed his schooling at the Duke of Gloucester High School (formerly, the Asian Senior Secondary School) in 1946. After finishing high school, Nindi went on to complete his Diploma at the London Matriculation and Senior Cambridge School in 1947 –following which he spent a year with the Public Works Department in Nairobi training as a draftsman and studying structural engineering. Nindi later worked with his brother Parvin Singh Sehmi in his engineering firm, assisting, and managing the office and pursuing his engineering studies.

In 1948 he took time off and spent five months visiting India hoping to find a career there – but ultimately decided to return to Nairobi. His brother Parvin Singh needed an architect in his office and offered to finance Nindi’s education and sent him to study in England. Between 1951 and 1956 Nindi lived in London and studied architecture at the Northern Polytechnic Institute.

While in England Nindi engaged himself in numerous cultural activities. He was an amateur musician, and a good singer and learned to play the sitar. He traveled widely in Europe playing in an ensemble with Ram Gopal’s Troupe of Indian classical dancers – the highlight being the opportunity to share the stage and play with the legendary sitar player Ravi Shankar.

Nindi returned to Nairobi in 1956. His brother Parvin Singh had passed away a few years earlier, so he accepted employment with a local architectural firm to finish his required practicum. Once fully certified Nindi partnered with Gian Singh Sohanpal to run a private practice for a brief time.

Nindi married Surindra Ahluwalia in 1960 having first met her while studying in London. After their marriage, Nindi decided to move out of Nairobi and accepted an appointment with the Public Works Department of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (then known as Tanganyika), and worked there until 1964 then deciding to embark on new adventures with his wife.

Nindi and Surindra considered Australia as their first choice to relocate, and then Canada. But because of the ill health of his mother, Nindi decided it prudent to move to England so that he could be with her and near to the rest of his family living there. Nindi next worked for the local authority in Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire, between 1965 and 1967, during which time his mother sadly passed away. Nindi and Surindra then moved to London and Nindi worked at Chessington, Surrey with the civil service. Once again, the adventurous spirit took hold and they decided to move.

Surindra and Nindi emigrated to Victoria, Canada in 1974 and Nindi started to work with the architectural firm of Siddal, Denis, and Warner where he became an Associate. The recession in 1980 downsized the office, and Nindi left the firm to work with the Hospital Planning and Construction Department of the B.C. Government.

Over the next 16 years, Nindi was recognized for his work designing senior homes and care facilities and became well respected amongst his peers as an authority on the subject. He retired from the B.C. Public Service in 1996.

Nindi took an active part in the social and cultural milieu of the Indian community in Victoria and gained respect as one of the community’s prominent members. He was an active person and served with several community organizations such as the Khalsa Diwan Society, the Lions Club, and the Inter-Cultural Association – he continued these activities during his retirement years. Nindi has been the President and active volunteer with the main Victoria Sikh Gurudwara, served as a volunteer consultant with the Canadian Executive Services Association, and assisted many Indigenous and First Nation communities in designing and planning a variety of construction projects. Nindi also went abroad to Guyana as a consultant to advise its Ministry of Health with hospital planning and various development projects.

Nindi has been recognized for his community service over the years – winning many awards including an Intercultural Association of Greater Victoria Honourary Lifetime Membership award, receiving the University of Victoria Value Elder Recognition Award for exemplary service for helping others in the Capital Regional District, and serving on the Royal BC Museum Advisory Committee for the Punjabi Canadian Legacy Project.

A man of warmth, humor, and musical talent, Nindi touched the lives of many. His legacy of kindness and service will endure through the memories shared by his friends and family.

He will be dearly missed, but his spirit transcends borders, and his influence will live on in those he has met.

Instead of flowers please consider donating to the Khalsa Diwan Society of Victoria or Victoria Hospice Society.