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Bimla Rhinehart Obituary
Bimla Gill Rhinehart, 51, of Jackson, CA, passed away March 5, 2013 in Yuba City, CA. Born September 4, 1961 in Punjab, India. She was the Executive Director of the California Transportation Commission.
Bimla had 27 years of experience with the California Department of Transportation. She served for four years as the Division Chief of Right of Way and Land Surveys, and previously served as the Acting Division Chief of Budgets, and Deputy Director of External Affairs and Special Projects Manager.
Bimla moved with her family to Yuba City from Punjab, India in 1967 and attended Barry Elementary, Yuba City High School and Yuba College. She obtained her B.S. from CSU Chico in 1984 and later attended graduate school at UC Davis. She began her occupation with CalTrans in 1986 and built a highly successful career while earning the friendship and admiration of everyone she came in contact with.
One of Bimla's recent achievements was being a member of the review committee overseeing the Bay Bridge project. She was looking forward to participating in the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony later this year.
Survivors include her husband of 24 years, Vernon Rhinehart of Jackson; parents Jagtar and Gurmeet Gill of Yuba City; sister Jasbinder Atwal of Yuba City; brothers, Balbir "Buzz" Gill of Yuba City, Kashmir "Kash" Gill of Yuba City, Jorawar "Joe" Gill of Yuba City; and fifteen nieces and nephews.
Prayer Services will start at 11:00 a.m., Sunday, March 10, 2013 at Ullrey Memorial Chapel. Final prayers and cremation will follow at Ullrey Memorial Chapel Crematory. BHOG services will follow at Tierra Buena Sikh Temple. Arrangement under the direction of Ullrey Memorial Chapel.
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Memories and Condolences
for Bimla Rhinehart
Debra Thompsen
March 30, 2013
Sending heartfelt condolences to the family. I was shocked and saddened to hear about the loss of Bimla. While I only worked at Caltrans for a short time, I had the pleasure to meet and work with Bimla. She was bright, kind and the ultimate professional and leader. She gained the immediate respect and admiration of those who met her. Over time, I hope your pain will lessen and may happier memories of Bimla fill your hearts. With sincere sympathy,
MariJane Stahl
March 26, 2013
I can't put into words what I felt when I found out about your passing! The news gripped my heart and I knew then that a part of it had gone with you. Even though we didn't get together often, we still kept in touch - just to check in, or make plans to get together later. You were a bright light and always had a kind word for everyone who crossed your path. I miss you terribly, but know you are no longer in pain. I thank you for always being there with directions and suggestions. I especially thank you for the friendship for the 20 years we knew each other. Love ya, Bimla!
Mary Christian
March 22, 2013
I have this feeling there's one more star up in the sky tonight. And even though it's far away, its brightness and warmth still reach us here to make the night a little less dark. With My Deepest Sympathy
WTS-IE Chapter 2012 Softball Game
Stephanie Guida
March 18, 2013
WTS Inland Empire Chapter adored Bimla. She was such a supporter of our organization and a mentor to our Board. We are grateful for the time she gave us. She was the kind of person we encouraged our scholarship winners to become. Bimla was our colleague and friend. We miss her greatly!
Ilene Gallo
March 18, 2013
I worked with Bimla in HQ and realized right away she is a special person who works hard and well with others. She was always an astute professional and kind to her fellow employees. She is a bright star who will shine forever. God bless her and her family.
Gary Miller
March 18, 2013
Bimla, you were one of kind. Your smile simply lit up the room and touched many hearts. Truly, you will be missed. Rest in peace.
William Todd
March 12, 2013
Bimla was one of finest persons I have ever known or professionals I ever worked with. I was truly saddened to hear of her passing. I wish Vern Gods strength as I know he loved her with all his heart. I will never forget her.
Lauri McRae
March 12, 2013
Bimla,
Thank you for your encouragement, your kindness, and your inner light was truly bright indeed. You will be missed. To the family, my heartfelt sympathies.
Barbie Barnes
March 11, 2013
I first met Bimla 15 yrs ago, when my dad introduced her to me. I was instantly in awe of her. She was beautiful, smart, professional, well-spoken, polished and professional. She was all the things I wanted to be.
A few years later I interviewed for a Project Manager position and she was on the panel. I was so focused on winning her approval that I ended up bombing the interview. I was pretty depressed afterwards; convinced I had made a complete fool of myself and torpedoed my career. But, Bimla in a way that only she could, consoled me with her warm smile,compassionate eyes and reassuring words. She put everything in perspective and told me later I would look back and laugh at this. She was right.
I eventually got my promotion but I never stopped learning from Bimla. She was a special soul and I will miss her greatly. Rest in Peace, my friend.
March 11, 2013
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
~ The Appeal-Democrat Family
Charlene Taylor
March 10, 2013
Bimla was a very special person who I will miss very much. 3 years ago my husband passed away and Bimla took the time to comfort me and make me feel there was hope. She was without a doubt a caring soul that made this world a happier place. I feel honored to have known her and I will remember her as the beautiful person she was.
Doug Hoover
March 9, 2013
To Vern and all of Bimla's family:
I worked with Bimla on many special projects at Caaltransand always enoyed her beaming smile and caring nature. She had a level of professionalism that was unmatched. I always considered her as a friend and she always remembered to ask about me as she climbed the ladder to success. Rest in peace Bimla.
Carrie Bowen
March 9, 2013
Bimla was a bright beautiful light in our world. My thoughts and prayers are with Vern, Bimla's parents, siblings, nieces and nephews during this time. Bimla was loved and respected and will be missed by her friends and colleagues in District 10. Sending love and light on the next part of your journey.
Arlene Anderson
March 8, 2013
I met Bimla at Caltrans District 10 Stockton, about 26 years ago. She was carrying a purse that I absolutely loved. She looked at me with a warm smile and I asked her where she bought the purse. This was the beginning of a genuine friendship You will always be in my heart. Bim, I love you and miss you.
Caltrans District 7
March 8, 2013
Bimla: loved as a dear friend to many and respected as a leader by all. Her professionalism, her grace, her poise, and her warmth, will be missed by those lucky enough to have known her.
Joginder & Surinder Sekhon
March 8, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with Kash, bha ji, bhain ji and the entire Gill family. May God give peace to the departed soul and strength to the family to bear the loss.
Sandi Morris
March 8, 2013
I can't put into words how much I will miss Bimla. No matter how early we were in the office together, she always had that gorgeous smile! Bimla was beautiful inside and out and always had time for her employees/friends no matter what they were dealing with. I will miss her always...what a beautiful soul.
Vern, you are in my prayers and I hope you are doing okay. To Bimla's family I extend my heartfelt condolences.
Xiomara Balladares
March 8, 2013
To Vern and the Gill Family,
My love and prayers to those she treasured and left behind to give you strength at this moment of sorrow. Hope you soon find comfort in the memories of the wonderful moments you shared with Bimla.
I worked with and for Bimla for many years at Caltrans.
May she rest in peace.
Christine Azevedo
March 8, 2013
It is with deep sadness we say good-bye to Bimla. She was an amazing woman, full of love, laughter and always had a kind word for everyone she met. Please accept my heartful sympathy during your time of loss. Rest in peace my friend.....
Tony Harris
March 8, 2013
To Bimla's family and friends, I would like to express my sympathy during this time of lost. Bimla was not just a co-worker, but a good friend. I already miss her!
Doreen Rosales
March 8, 2013
I first met Bimla at Caltrans in Marysville in the '80s; I can't remember if she was a student assistant or a new employee. She was always smiling and so nice; I just adored her. We met again in HQ some 15 years later; she laughed that I remembered her from so long ago. I will dearly miss you. God Bless you and your family.
Tom Rasmussen
March 7, 2013
Bimla and I worked together for quite a few years in Stockton D-10.... what a great team member, and teammate. She had a great empathy for other peoples difficult situations. a very kind and generous friend. very special.
Bless you Bim........... and Vern, my best wishes to you and your family.
Walt & Jeanette Barr
March 7, 2013
We were very saddened to hear of Bimla passing. Working with Bimla in HQ R/W was a pleasure as she brought a such positive spirit to each and every task. Her supportive words along with a smile had a way to make you always do your best. It was special to have known her.
Douglas Link
March 7, 2013
With heavy heart I extend our deepest sympathy to Vern and the Gill family. Bimla was such a professional in every sense of the word and a pleasure to work with.
Chris Wendland
March 7, 2013
My sincere deepest sympathy to Vern and Bimla's family. I will always cherish her wisdom and wonderful smile. We had some great experiences during the wee hours in the morning commuting down Highway 88.So dearest one keep smiling, sleep tight, take care and long live your light.
Navtej Bassi
March 7, 2013
Be at peace Bimla.
Lisa Spellenberg
March 7, 2013
To Vern and the Gill Family,
No words are adequate to express the sadness I feel for your loss. Bimla was a sweet lovely woman. She died much to young. I knew her from working at Caltrans and attending training courses with her. She was always friendly, smiling and welcoming to all around her. With sympathy,
Kelly Albrecht
March 7, 2013
Bimla was an amazing woman and will be forever missed and loved. My deepest condolences to her family, co-workers, and friends. I am praying that your faith will help you through this very difficult time and you find the strength to get you through your grief and sadness. I will always cherish the time I spent with Bimla and she will be forever in my heart.
Reema Griffith
March 7, 2013
In the time I had to work with Bimla, her charm and grace could not be denied. As her Washington State counterpart, we shared experiences and insights and I always found her perspective to be so valuable. Our two transportation commissions met and collaborated together on several occasions and much credit goes to her for the success of our interactions. I will miss her comradery and friendship dearly.
Lorrie Wilson
March 7, 2013
Bim, I miss you already. I love you. Everyone who knew you will remember your beautiful smile, your precious giggle, your work ethic and all of your accomplishments. You will forever be in our hearts and memories. Thank you for blessing me with your love and friendship.
Larry Vieira
March 7, 2013
I was one of Bimla's teachers at Yuba City High School her senior year. She was a model student and an exceptional individual. Later on while working for Caltrans we were reaquainted. She was still the same exceptional person that I knew as a young student. My heart, love and prayers go out to those she treasured and left behind. May she rest in peace.
March 7, 2013
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
~
The Appeal Democrat Family
March 7, 2013
Bimla was a wise and creative leader at Caltrans. I will miss her friendship and counsel.
Besides sharing time as managers at Caltrans, we were both graduates of Yuba City High and Yuba College, albeit at different times. We often joked about being the highest ranking Honkers in State Government, but with her promotion to Executive Director of the CTC, I think she won sole ownership of that title.
I will miss her winning smile; her calm, assured manner; and her precise way of speaking. She was a beautiful person and I was happy to share some years as her coworker.
Dee Dee Frandsen
March 7, 2013
The Gill family:
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. My prayers are with your family, be blessed with the memories you hold in your hearts.
Robert Memory
March 7, 2013
I'm deeply saddened to hear Bimla has passed away. I was so fortunate and blessed to work with her on the AASHTO Executive Board for several years. She will be deeply missed by many, but her kindness and smile will live within us for many years to come. Until we meet again, rest in peace Bimla. My deepest sympathy and prayers to her husband and family,
Robert Memory
Gene Mattocks
March 6, 2013
I worked with Bimla for 16 years at Caltrans and enjoyed every minute of it. Her beaming smile and engaging personality was fresh air to our "good old boy" management team at the Division of Right of Way in Sacramento. She will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences to Vern and her family.
Steve and Kathy Ikeda
March 6, 2013
Our deepest condolences to Vern and all of Bimla's immediate and extended family. She was a beautiful person both inside and out, and will be deeply missed.
Bimla, from our earliest days together 25 years ago at District 10 through all the years that followed, your friendship and support were constant, and we will treasure the memories of the good times we shared. You always took the time to think of our family, and we hope you know how much your thoughtfulness meant. You accomplished so much in life, and had so much more to give, but it's your wonderful smile and caring nature that we'll remember most. Rest in peace.
Rosemary Mejia
March 6, 2013
My deepest sympathy and prayers to the family. Bimla, you will be greatly missed. You were a devoted and hard worker. I am so honored to have had the previlege to work under your leadership. Your presence and smile always lit up a room. I will miss the talks we had, the friendship we developed in such a short time. You will forever fill our memories with the joy that you brought into this world. It's comforting to know that you are resting in a better place without pain. Until we meet again, sweet angel.
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