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Tejinder Sibia Obituary
SIBIA, Tejinder Singh
''Ted''
Born on August 20, 1937, at village Kila Raipur, Ludhiana District, Punjab, India, died peacefully, under the care of his wife and family, at his Sacramento home, on March 6, 2008, after a short illness. Ted migrated to U.S. in 1960, earned an M.S. in Horticulture from Kansas State and in Library Science from Emporia State University. In 2006, he retired as Head of Research Library Unit for Biology & Agriculture at the Shield Library of UC Davis. He was among the first to develop a site devoted to the Komagata Maru incident, Ghadar movement and early South Asian immigrants. The site, www.sikhpioneers.org, is an invaluable resource on the history of early South Asian immigrants. He was very social and will be greatly missed. He was an active member of the IVACC, Koh-e-Nur Club, Museum Committee of the Punjabi American Heritage Society, Yuba City, and the Punjab Agricultural University Alumni Association. He was a Patron of the Sikh Temple Sacramento, where he served as librarian and started the seniors club. He is survived by his beloved wife Manjeet K. Sibia, and daughter Kiran Tej Sibia. Funeral service & cremation at North Sacramento Funeral Home, 725 El Camino Ave., Sacramento, CA 95815 (916-922-9668), on Sunday, March 9, from 9:30-11:00 a.m., followed on the same day from 2:00-4:00 p.m. by Bhog of Akhand Path at Sikh Temple Sacramento, 2301 Evergreen Ave., West Sacramento, CA 95691 (916-371-9787).
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Memories and Condolences
for Tejinder Sibia
Sponsored by Gujri Foundation.
Charles "Charlie" Priore
March 15, 2025
Even though the years have sped by, Ted comes to me often with his quick wit and commonsense approach not only to work but to Life itself. I miss him terribly.
Bob Molyneux
July 31, 2022
I worked with Tejinder at Virginia Tech for about seven years.
He was a lovely man, a good friend from whom I learned so much, and one of the best librarians I ever knew. And I have known some very good ones.
I am saddened by the news--even though his passing was some time ago--but I am thinking about the good memories and our long conversations. Manjeet, I hope you and Kiran are doing well.
Bob
K. R. Vaidya
August 9, 2018
I am very sad to hear the passing of Mr. Ted Sibia. As a postgraduate student at UC Davis, I used to talk to him in the Peter J. Shields Library. Sibia Sahab always called me Hello Mr. Shankar. My name is not Shankar and I am still unable to understand why he always called me by that name. He was very kind and extremely helpful person regarding agriculture related books and journals. I am grateful for his help in the reference material he provided to me while I was completing my Ph.D. Dissertation. May his soul Rest In Peace!
Nancy & David Shaw
August 21, 2015
When we read of Tejinder's passing in the Emporia state alumni book we weren't so computer savy and today have looked to see if there was any information of him. He was best man at our wedding and a wonderful friend as we finished college in 1965. We lost touch but never forgot and hoped to catch up someday to see him. It sounds like he had a very productive and happy life and I am glad to know that.
February 2, 2012
Thanks
February 1, 2012
For loving Punjabis
Parm Singh
January 31, 2012
Lots of very good information
enjooyed and shared with some of my mexican friends ;
BTW I am on a SW project in Mexico city
Thanks
Sharon Dodd
April 4, 2011
I have enjoyed this site. Thank you for this information
arun pal singh
July 15, 2010
If you please made available biography of TEJINDER SINGH "TED" SIBIA.
arun pal singh
July 14, 2010
Thanks Sardar Saheb for recognition of my entry in your guest book.
arun pal singh
July 11, 2010
See the site. It is very useful for next generation. I am from Delhi. Thanks for such a information task you have done.
Ranjana Chachra
March 25, 2010
Dear Manjeet and Kiran,
While researching the history of Asian Americans, I came across the obituary of Tej. I am deeply sorry for your loss. It has been decades since we were in touch but we have thought of you and of our visits while you were at VT. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Deep sympathies.
Neetu Sandhu
March 4, 2010
We miss you a lot and we will never forget you!!
"in loving memory of..."
Steve Handel
September 9, 2009
I will never forget you Ted, you always brightened up my day.
Harjinder Sidhu
August 19, 2009
You will always be missed.
Karen Singh Almquist
April 30, 2009
We will miss your enthusiasm and your attention to detail.
Maninder Sandhu
March 4, 2009
Sibia Sahib Aap ji da Kotan Kot Dhanvad,
It's a very big effort done by you to build this website to discover and keep our roots of connections to Punjab. I'm from Ruriwala, Amritsar now Tarn Taran Distt. the village of Kamagata Marru passenger Bhai Attar Singh Ji, I'm highly thankfull to you for this great effort. It will be a great pleasure if some one can tell me about the fate of Bhai Attar Singh after Kamagata Marru Incident.
Sunny Jhutti
January 14, 2009
Sibia Sahib-
It’s been an honor to have known you. I would like to thank for you the mentoring and well-wishing you always provided in my own research for our Punjabi roots.
We all appreciate the gift of sharing your time and wisdom with the Punjabi students at UCD. It takes a special soul to dedicate themselves to a selfless cause and we are proud to have known you.
Arvind Singh
November 2, 2008
Sibia Sahib was a pioneer among us. His contributions in finding documented evidence of the early Sikhs in North America deserves recognition. We indebted to his achievements.
Dr Sukhraj Dhillon-Tejinder Sibia-1970s
March 31, 2008
dr sukhraj dhillon
March 29, 2008
Very energetic and helpful man. I knew him very well in 1970s and then accidentally met him at Davis while attending a scientific meeting in 1980s.
My heart goes for his wife Manjit and family. May he rest in peace. I was shocked to read the news because he was too young to leave his family and friends.
Those who came in contact with Tejinder Sibia were lucky and will always miss him.
Tejpal Gangar
March 23, 2008
In year 2005, I e-mailed Mr. Sibia and asked him write something about, great Gadri, Babu Mangoo Ram Ji Muggowalia. I was surprised to see how fast he gathered information about Babu Ji and posted on site. We all should learn from his dedication to community.
Irwin Weintraub
March 18, 2008
Ted Sibia was my supervisor when I worked as an agriculture librarian at Virginia Tech from 1973 -1977. I learned a lot from him and was blessed to have him as my supervisor. He was a lovely man with a good heart and a sense of humor that endeared him to all who met him. I was saddened to hear about his death at the young age of 70. A good human being has been taken from us.
Sukh Chain Singh
March 14, 2008
Tejinder was a true friend with lot of vision. He was a community person who loves to see our new generation progress.He will be rememberd for his outstanding ability to help other people. God bless his soul with peace.
Sukh Chain Singh
March 14, 2008
Tejinder was a true friend with lot of vision. He was a community person who loves to see our new generation progress.He will be rememberd for his outstanding ability to help other people. God bless hsi soul with peace and rest.
Sukie Uppal
March 13, 2008
Mr. Tejinder Sibia?
What can I say about a man so great, so humble, so helpful, and so kind.
He was a true friend to me. He was always supportive of me-and so many others! He was always encouraging, and always inspirational. He was like a father figure.
One of the highlights of our Kohinoor meetings was when he would come by and spend time with us. I loved to hear his ideas about us-the younger generation. I loved debating with him on various subjects. I loved his genuine interest in any of my endeavors in life, and although he was always encouraging, he could also give constructive criticism (but usually with a smile and happiness in his voice).
Everybody can do things for their own families but there are very few who do things for others. Even fewer help others selflessly and with humility and enthusiasm. That is a rare trait indeed. But that was Mr.
Sibia. That is what I learned from Mr. Sibia. I shall cherish that and try to walk the path he showed me and others. He will be dearly missed by his immediate family, and to us all-the extended family of,
Mr. Tejinder Sibia!
.
Neil Behniwal PAU Alumnii Family
March 12, 2008
PAU Alumni family and Sikh community has lost a precious gem . PAU community is shocked and dismayed at the tragic news. Sibia Sahib was a great "Zindadil" person, always happy, cheering and uplifting everyone around him. We will miss your constructive input as an elder brother for PAU alumni Assoc. Every picnic you came to celebrate with your PAU family, you did not bring your volleyball team to win, but just to enthrill and uplift our spirts. We salute you & your spirt . Deep in our hearts, Sibia Sahib you were and you will always remain a winner. We will continue to feel your positive force in our future activities. May Waheguru impart strength to your loved ones to bear the tremendous loss and May your soul rest in peace.
Iqvinder Gill
March 11, 2008
Sorry to hear. It was great loss for Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiat.
Daljit Singh Sandhu
Daljit Singh Sandhu
March 11, 2008
Mr.Sibia was realy a great asset and pillar not only for the KOHINOOR CLUB but also where ever he moved he left some memories for the society particulary Indian society, me and my family still remember the goodwishes and his blessings which he conveyed to us While he attending the President's Installation of KOHINOOR at "India house" at folsom. May his soul rest in piece and his family be empowered by the allmighty to bear this loss.
Jand and Mang Singh
March 10, 2008
We have know Uncle Sibia and his family for such a long time, me and my brother were close friends of his son Manpal and still to this day miss him so much. Uncle Sibia and auntie were always so nice to us and now me and my brother remember the times that we spent the night at there home so many years ago and how uncle had dropped me, my brother and manpal off to play video games. Uncle was such a kind hearted and loving man he will be deeply missed. Thank you uncle for all of the great memories and all the jokes you use to always make.
Kashmir and Shyam Aulakh
March 10, 2008
We will dearly miss Tejinder. He will remain in our hearts forever. Thank you for all you have done. God rest his soul and comfort his friends and family.
Sarina Chohan
March 10, 2008
I first met Uncle Sibia 13 years ago, when I was a student at UC Davis. We would get together on the third floor of the Shields Library to "study". Often, when many of us gathered, it would get loud, and despite the fact that the rest of the staff would admonish us, it was Uncle Sibia's floor and he always looked out for us, and enjoyed our masti!
He encouraged us to do something for our community. About 5-10 of us in total were interested, but couldn't get people together. He asked us to put together a float for the Yuba City parade. He gathered us together at his house, and with the lack of interest from the other students, we said we'd put it off for next year. He said why put off for tomorrow what you can do today? Instead, make your goal to make tomorrow better than today!
We went to the parade with a tiny pickup truck, some baloons and a makeshift UCDavis sign. It was the beginning of a Sikh Student Association.
Later that year, we expressed interest in starting a bhangra team. We had to literally beg people to join. Uncle Sibia offered his support to us, he even offered to loan us a video he had. In those days, he and Aunty used to do "Bhangra Exercise" everyday. He loved to dance. Uncle and Aunty were the cutest couple on campus! We got the team together, Raunak Punjab Dee.
The club sputtered along, the team survived, we graduated, and Uncle Sibia began anew, encouraging the next batch of students to do something.
Today, I go to the Yuba City Jalouse and there is an 18-Wheeler truck representing UC Davis. On campus, Raunak Punjab Dee continues, and now you have to audition and wait list to get on the team. There are a total of three dance teams, a Sikh Student Association and a Punjabi Cultural club called Sher-e-Punjab.
I feel a sense of pride when I look at these organizations. But while I can feel good about my efforts, while the students running these organizations today can feel good about the time they put in, I never would have felt the pride I feel today, if Uncle Sibia hadn't given us the idea, the encouragement, the motivation. He gave tirelessly to his community and was an example to us all.
Over the years, I used to see him at the Gurdwara, and he always greeted me with a smile and open arms. In this world today, all you can hope for is the chance to effect some change. To do something for your community so you can feel proud to be a part of it. Uncle Sibia was always proud of his community but we want Auntyji to know that his community is proud of him.
Thank you Uncle Sibia, you made a difference in my life and I will never forget you!
Suraj and Usha Ahuja
March 10, 2008
Most of the time we met Sibia Ji at social gatherings. You knew when he was there, because he was one of the first one to greet you , welcome you, make you feel important whether he was host or not. People come and go , very few leave their "foot-prints". He was one of those few who will be missed greatly by every one who even met him once.
May God give Sibia family the strength to bear the loss.
Suraj and Usha
Shamsher and Jagjit Kang
March 10, 2008
Mr. Sibia was a great icon in the immigrant Sikh community of California. He was a great inspiration for all of us to do selfless community work. He devoted a great part of his life in searching, collecting, compiling, and maintaining the Sikh heritage in the U.S.A.
Let us a take a page from his book and march on to keep his legacy alive.
Tag & Sharan Badhesha
March 9, 2008
How do we go on with out Uncle Sibia saying.. "Hey Young Lady/ Hey Young Man?"
His kind words of wisdom will be missed so dearly. I have Know the Sibia family for 23+ years and knowing them has changed my life for the best. He was so proud of everything we did..whether it was small or something big. He will be truly missed. We LOVE you Uncle Sibia.
Sharen & Tag
Balbir Singh
March 9, 2008
His death is a tragic loss. My thoughts are with his family during this very difficult time.
He was a great entertainer and be missed by all of us.
Dr. Amrik Singh
March 9, 2008
I became acquainted with his name first by visiting his website. The range of information about Punjabi pioneers, I found, was phenomenal. When I met him for the first time in West Sacramento Sikh temple, I was so amazed to see him overflowing with positive energy. How could I remain unaffected with his winsome smiles, inspiration and dynamism? I felt like I was under spell. Since then, I looked forward to meeting him in Gurdwara Sahib. He encouraged me to work hard to achieve success. The community has indeed lost a gem. We will miss him among our social gatherings, religious occasions and personal encounters. May Almighty grant strength to his family to bear with the irreparable loss. May Guru be always with them !
Sam Rao
March 9, 2008
Ted Sibia was a wonderful resource for documenting history of Indian migration to USA and California of 100 years.
His rich knowledge and library has helped many researchers, writers and scholars
Charlie Priore
March 9, 2008
Ted Sibia was my supervisor at UC-Davis from 1980-1984. He was the kindest and most generous man I have ever known in the profession. His wonderful sense of humor, and his balance of job vs family is a standard to which we should all aspire to. His wisdom and mentoring have followed me all of my many years after leaving. i am so thrilled that I got to speak with him a few weeks ago.
Manjeet, who had a wonderful husband--and Kiran you had a most precious father. My sympathy and prayers to both of you.
Capt. Manmohan & Sarah Bathla
March 8, 2008
Graceful like deep and calm oceans Sibia Sahib touched our hearts during the sole visit to his house. A great loss to the family and friends alike. Please accept our heartfelt condolencses.
Jaspiyar Mann
March 8, 2008
Uncle Sibia was a great man who would always cheer everyone up. Rest in Peace Uncle Sibia, you will be missed by all of us.
Gobind Sohi
March 8, 2008
Uncle Sibia was one of the very few who took time to ask us kids how we were doing in our lives and was always ready to help us in any way possible.... he will be missed alot...
Maneek Mundi
March 8, 2008
Uncle Sibia was an amazing individual who touched everyone’s heart and soul with his generous ways. He was always one to bring a smile to my face and one that genuinely cared about each and every kid. He took the time out of his life to personally ask all of us to see how we were, what our plans were and what we wanted out of life. I believe he fulfilled what he wanted out of life. Rest in peace Uncle Sibia, you will forever be remembered in our hearts.
Jagrup Sidhu
March 8, 2008
Uncle Sibia was the biggest optimist we knew. His cheerful smile will be missed by all of us.
Navi, Navreen, Junior Riar
March 8, 2008
Ode to Uncle Ji
To the heavens you must depart, leaving behind broken hearts;
Lost is now a husband, father, and good friend, he stayed strong until the end
A proud member of our community, who lived life with so much glee
A smile on his face with his infamous "Hey!" would spread laughter without delay
A punctual man, always on time, a man of his word, a man who was kind.
His life was once shattered with the loss of his son,
He picked up the pieces and was able to continue on.
Despite the burden, hardship and strife
He had a wonderful passion for life.
Gurvir Grewal
March 8, 2008
Uncle Sibia had the biggest heart. He always arrived with a smile and made sure we all left with one. He was always willing to help us out and never refused to listen to anybody. He will be gravely missed but his vivid memory will last forever. Stay strong Sibia family. RIP Uncle Sibia.
Simerdeep Sohal
March 8, 2008
Thanks for always putting a smile on all the kid’s faces, you truly were one of a kind
Ameek Mundi
March 8, 2008
Uncle Sibia was a joy we all loved to see in the older generation, always in that happy mood we grew to enjoy. He was an extremely nice guy with a huge heart. He loved to see us kids having a great time. It's sad to see someone who made a difference in many people's lives pass away. He truly left his mark and will always be remembered. Rest in Peace.
Simran Randhawa
March 8, 2008
Uncle Sibia always brought a smile to everyone's face, whether it be with his signature, "HEY!" or just simply being himself. He touched everyone he met and truly left a lasting impression upon all. Growing up while having Uncle be a part of my life was truly a blessing. He always took time out to talk to me and ask me how everything was. He was a unique person who I will never forget. The compassion he showed when dealing with us kids was one of a kind. Just thinking about Uncle brings a huge smile across my face because I am reminded of how he always had a good time. Rest in Peace Uncle Sibia, you will always remain in my memory...
Shan Randhawa
March 8, 2008
I will never forget Sibia uncle. He was really a wonderful person. He was caring, funny, enthusiastic, cheerful, and very lovable. His personality was one of a kind and his heart was pure gold. No Kohinoor event was complete without him. His positive attitude and cheerfulness was contagious. I think the world would be a better place if there were more people like Sibia uncle.
Neeti Riar
March 8, 2008
Dearest Uncle Sibia,
Every once in a while god blesses us with people in our lives that help us remember the real reason why we are here and what we are capable of. We are here to lead good honest lives. We are here to work hard and play harder. We are here to be with and for loved ones. We are here, in short, to be the best we can be. I look back at the memories I have of you and see all of these things. You were known as the Indian uncle who worked at UC Davis in the library. You gave your time and effort to the Kohinoor club and always showed up to the meetings with a stash of diet Coke. You even showed us all how to be strong when times were tough as your own son faced the same battle that you did. After all of this, I will never forget watching you at our last New Year’s party during the dance competition. You and Aunty Sibia were so much fun to watch. You danced like you were in your twenties with a big smile on your face. I remember thinking to myself, “I hope one day when I am at that age, I still remember how to party like Ted Sibia.” You embodied youth, happiness, and goodness. May we all remember that in the end, that is all you need. Thank you for all of the memories and the lessons learned. You will be missed.
Truly King of the World
Nirvair Kelley Family
March 8, 2008
Ted Uncle will be remembered as someone who always had a joke to tell or a funny story to share. He was the life of every party and never failed to spread happiness every where he went.
I will cherish many memories of Uncle, from the Kings Games we watched together to the chats we had at his desk on the third floor of Shields Library.
Ted Uncle was truly a one of a kind individual. His unique charm and witty personality will be forever missed. The world is a much emptier place with out Ted Uncle and I feel greatly privileged to have known him .
Nirvair Kelley and Family
Kamal Dhaliwal
March 8, 2008
My family and I will greatly miss my Sibia uncle. I will never forget the way he said "I am so proud of you". He said that everytime I saw him. Uncle, God bless you. Our live will never be the same without you.
You will be missed
The Riar Family
March 8, 2008
Tejinder Sibia was a great man who left an impression on all those who met him. He was never without a smile on his face or a skip in his step. He was an active memeber of our community and was always ready and willing to help the needy. Rest in peace Mr. Sibia. You will remain in our hearts always.
Jatinder & Minnie Punia
March 8, 2008
Dear Manjit and Kiran,
We are in shock at the sudden passing of Mr. Sibia. We will miss him a lot and will always keep him in our heart. Our prayers are with you. He was one of a kind, always had a smile on his face, and did so much for the Punjabi community.
Dave Singh
March 8, 2008
I can feel and hear his deep voice. Mr. Sibia was everywhere where ever the community needed him. It is a great loss to the community and his family. I pray God to give his family the strength to bear this great loss!
March 8, 2008
March 8, 2008
Jagtar Dhaliwal
March 8, 2008
Ted Sibia was a great asset and support for our community in Sacramento region. His cheerful presence will be missed in every gathering. May God bless his soul and give strength to Manjit to bear the loss!
JASBIR BRAR
March 8, 2008
MR. SIBIA WE ALL MISS YOU VERY MUCH, LIKE THEY SAY I HOPE YOUR AT BETTER PLACE. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME OF SORROW.
Gurinder Kanwar
March 8, 2008
it is a big loss for community,may his soul rest in peace and may family have strength to bear the loss,our sincere prayers with family
Anita and Rajpreet Dhesi
March 8, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with Manjeet and Kiran in there time of grief. Mr Sibia-Ji has been our family friend over three generations and his absence will be missed.
Bahadar Mundi
March 8, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Valentine day 2006
Parmjit Randhawa
March 8, 2008
Sibia Sahib will be greatly missed by my entire family. He was a friend to teenagers and elders alike. My sons always talked to him on varied subjects. He started and motivated others to develop programs for seniors. He was a great company at the Super Bowl 2008.
Pali K. Bindra
March 8, 2008
I have known Mr.Sibia for only a short time since we moved to California. But I was so impressed with his dedication, spirits and politeness. His passing away is a big loss to our community. I hope his spirit and contributions continue to bless all of us. My condolences to his family.
Ted at home in 2007, surrounded by his cherished collection.
David Washburn
March 8, 2008
Ted was a great friend and mentor. I will miss his enthusiasm for history and the deep voice he used to describe everything. Everyone should visit his website to witness his dedication to preserving the past. It will live on as a testament to this great man.
Carrie Rushby
March 8, 2008
I was so sad to hear of Ted's passing. My heart goes out to Manjeet and Kiran. Ted was a great boss and very good friend. I will truly miss him. I am blessed to have known him and have great memories.
Onkar Bindra
March 8, 2008
I will always cherish memories of my very dear friend, Ted, and will greatly miss his support in our efforts to promote the teaching of Punjbi. My deepest sypathies for Manjeet, Kiran Tej and rest of the family over their unbearable loss. May his soul rest in peace!
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