In Memory of Santokh Singh Virdee
It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Santokh Singh Virdee, 89 years old, on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 11:05 PM at The Ottawa General Hospital.
Beloved husband of Devinder Kaur Virdee, with whom he shared 62 wonderful years of marriage. Devoted father to Arvinder & Amritpal Bhogal, Manjinder & Kulvinder Virdee, and Maninder & Surinder Jandu. Cherished Grandfather (Nana Ji and Dada Ji) to his seven grandchildren: Ravneet Bhogal, Sandeep Bhogal, Bundina & Nicholas Morin, Simran & Daniel Ganesh, Ashlene Jandu, Rhea Jandu, and Sohan Jandu.
Santokh Singh was a humble, respected, and inspiring community leader whose presence left an impact on all who knew him in Montreal, Cornwall, and Ottawa. After retiring as a Quality Control Inspector, he dedicated many years to community service.
He served the Sikh community with distinction:
- General Secretary, Gurdwara Sahib Quebec – 5 years
- General Secretary, Ottawa Sikh Society Gurdwara – 5 years
- Stage Secretary, Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Cornwall – 20 years
- Executive Member, Indo Canadian Senior Association of Barrhaven – 10 years; President – 2 years
- Punjabi Heritage Foundation of Canada – founder member
- COMPAC, Ottawa Police Service – 14 years advocating for human rights and representing the Sikh community
Throughout his lifetime of seva (selfless service), Santokh Singh received numerous awards, recognitions, and accolades for his unwavering dedication.
He will forever be remembered for his kindness, leadership, gentle spirit, and deep love for his family and community. His legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or The Ottawa General Hospital in his honour.
Program Details
Thursday, November 27, 2025 – 3:00 PM
Akhand Path will begin at the Ottawa Sikh Society Gurdwara, 25 Gurdwara Rd, Ottawa, ON K2E 7X6.
Friday, November 28, 2025 – 5:00 PM onwards
Family visitation at the Ottawa Sikh Society Gurdwara (25 Gurdwara Rd, Ottawa, ON K2E 7X6)
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Visitation, Paath, and Ardas
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home,
1250 Trim Road, Ottawa (Orleans), ON K4A 3P7.
Followed by Paath, Antim Ardas, and Langar at the
Ottawa Sikh Society Gurdwara, 25 Gurdwara Rd, Ottawa, ON K2E 7X6
Ottawa Sikh Society – Serving the needs of Ottawa’s Sikh community
Sardar Santokh Singh Virdee has been a pillar of strength for his family, friends and Sikh community. I met him in Montreal in 1976 (1977?) when he immigrated to Canada. He was a kind, thoughtful, soft-spoken, and cultured person. He was very well read about Indian and Sikh history. He has established solid roots for his family in this beautiful country. My condolences to his family and relatives, and peace for the departed soul.
Today, we gather with heavy hearts to honour and remember Sardar Santokh Singh Virdee, a man whose presence touched our lives in ways words can scarcely capture. For over twenty years, he served as the Stage Secretary for the Sikh Education and Research Centre of Cornwall, not merely as a role, but as a true calling. He carried out his duties with dignity, devotion, and an unshakeable commitment to the sangat. His steady guidance and humble service helped shape our community, often quietly, always sincerely.
But beyond his service, it is his spirit we will miss most. He was a true friend, to us as individuals, and to the congregation as a whole. He had a warm heart, a gentle smile, and a way of making everyone feel welcome, valued, and heard. He was the person you could turn to for help without hesitation, knowing he would give freely of his time, his patience, and his kindness.
We are deeply blessed that he chose to spend his years with us here in Cornwall. His presence enriched our lives, his wisdom guided us, and his kindness uplifted us. He graced this community not just with his work, but with his humanity. As we remember him today, we do so with gratitude. Gratitude for his friendship, for his service, and for the example he set; a life lived with humility, love, and dedication to others.
May Waheguru bless his soul and grant comfort to all who feel his loss. His memory will remain a light within our community for years to come.
Respectfully,
Dr. N. H. Shah, Mrs. Kulwant Shah, and the entire Shah Family
🙏Deepest condolences from Sukhvinder and Kulwant and the Jutla family
Mama ji as we respectfully called Sardar Santokh Singh Ji was truly amazing gentleman
Very accomplished and very good member of the community
His wisdom was respected and put into action because it just made sense
Quiet but very effective
A big loss for the community
We will all miss him but his legacy is flourishing through his family🙏
Deepest condolences from Sukhvinder and Kulwant and the Jutla family
Mama Ji as we respectfully called him was a gentleman’s gentleman
Very accomplished and well respected member of the community
He contributed tirelessly to the Sikh Gurdwaras in Montreal and Ottawa
His wisdom was put into action by others because in his gentle way he knew how to motivate people