Jugjeet Dheensaw

DHEENSAW, Jugjeet (Jeet) Singh Born in Sidney on May 19, 1930, Jeet passed away at his home in Saanich on February 18, 2008, following a sudden and courageous battle against cancer. He is deeply missed by his loving wife of 53 years, Gurdev; children Cleve (Pam), Paul (Darci), Shawn (Leslie); adoring grandchildren Keira, Brittany, Kailyn, Casey, Shalie, Marissa and Jaren; sisters Jaget (Ang), Koljeet, brother Tom (Sue); brother-in-law Dave (Raj); sisters-in-law Piari, Bhajno, Dhuso and numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends. Jeet was predeceased by father Hardit Singh, mother Odam Kaur, brother Dalla and father-inlaw Chanchal Sidhu. In his last days, surrounded by family and friends, Jeet expressed he was at peace and couldn't have wanted for more in what was a fulfilling and happy life. It was a beautiful life built the hard way. Jeet attended North Ward Elementary, where many friends knew him fondly as `George,' but was forced to leave S.J. Willis Junior High when his father died unexpectedly and it was left to Jeet, as the eldest sibling, to support the family. Beginning working life by necessity in his early teens, he took to that task with a disciplined and spirited work ethic that stayed with him his entire 45-year career at B.C. Forest Products on Gorge Road. Jeet married Gurdev in 1954 to launch a union of tremendously deep mutual affection and devotion. Retirement years were spent traveling widely and enjoying his seven grandchildren. He was always forward-looking, but Jeet was quietly yet fiercely proud of being Victoria born and raised and loved nothing better than reminiscing with friends and family about the old days and ways and how far his city and province had progressed in his lifetime. He was of the generation that built both. Family and friends greatly enjoyed the pleasure of Jeet's company over the years. He had such an easy-going and engaging way about him, and such an understated sense of honest and goodnatured humour, that you automatically felt at ease around him. It's hard to find anybody who didn't genuinely like Jeet. His was a joyful and complete life well lived and Jeet is a lovingly remembered husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. To know him was to love him. Special thanks for the care provided by Drs. Domke, Yee and staffs at Royal Pavillion 1 and Victoria Hospice. A memorial service and remembrance of Jeet's life will be held Saturday, February 23, at 10 a.m. at First Memorial, 4725 Falaise Dr., followed by a service at the Sikh Temple, 1210 Topaz Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Island branch of the B.C. Cancer Foundation or Victoria Hospice Foundation would be appreciated. 446095