May 7, 1933 – September 30, 2026 

Jawand Singh Samra was born in Chak 104 GB Samrah Jandiala, India (Pakistan), on May 7, 1933, to Shiv Singh and Darshan Kaur. He was one of four children, with two brothers and one sister. He served for seven years in the Indian military as part of the Sikh Sector. Along with being a farmer, he was also a physical education instructor and a home guard policeman. 

Jawand Singh married Charn Kaur and built a loving family, raising three children: Semrijit, Piara Singh, and Harpal Singh. They immigrated to Canada in July 1969, first landing in Port Alberni with the help of Charn Kaur’s brother, Beant Singh Sekhon and family, before planting roots in Merritt. He worked hard as a trimmer man at the Nicola Valley/Tolko Sawmill for decades. He and his wife were dedicated members of the community, as Jawand Singh served as president of the Merritt Sikh Society for many years. Within the community, he was known as Mama, Bhai, and Pardawn. 

Jawand Singh was a man of strong principles. He stood his ground on what he believed was right. He loved sharing his life experiences and history with those around him. What a memory he had! He could talk about events from decades ago with so much passion, detail, and clarity. 

At home, Jawand Singh listened to Gurbani and Punjabi news every single day, and afterward he would share what he heard with his family. Piara Singh and Baljit cared for him with so much love and attention. Baljit always made sure he was comfortable, looked after and especially well fed with all the foods he loved. 

Jawand Singh helped all three of his children and spouses: Semrijit and Rajinder Singh, Piara Singh and Baljit, and Harpal Singh and Kalvinder build their lives. He was incredibly proud of all his grandchildren: Savina, Ravina, Rajy, Harman, Pavan, Amar, Ricky, Nikki, Sunny, and Amrit, and he dearly loved his great-grandchildren: Riya, Rowan, Avani, Arjun, and Evan. He also shared a very special bond with Hardeep Samra, his brother’s grandson, whom he loved and treated as one of his own. He deeply loved his many cherished nieces, nephews, and family friends. 

At 93 years old, he continued to enjoy life and his family. He was dancing at his grandson’s wedding reception just a few weeks ago, surrounded by the people he loved. 

He had a special relationship with each member of his family, and everyone carries their own memories, stories, and moments with him that they will hold onto forever. 

Jawand Singh Samra’s Funeral Service is as follows: Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Schoening Funeral Service (513 Seymour St., Kamloops, B.C.). Sehaj Paath Bhog (Sikh Prayers) will follow at 2:45 p.m. at the Sikh Cultural Society (700 Cambridge Cres., Kamloops, B.C.). Family and friends are warmly invited to join us as we come together to remember, honour, and celebrate his life. 

Livestreaming Link: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=da34c640-fd05-4d81-bb7d-bdec7ba75cd4 

You may offer a message of condolence at Schoening Funeral Service for the Samra family.

• Date : 2026-09-30
• Location : Kamloops