Iqbal Singh Johl

1936 - 2024

Iqbal Singh Johl, passed away on October 10, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. Iqbal was born in Jandialla, District Jullundar, Punjab, India, on November 27, 1936, as the oldest of four siblings.

Iqbal married his beautiful and devoted wife, Amar, in 1957. Together, they traveled the world and lived a wonderful life. They spent their afternoons drinking chaa, and their evenings watching their favorite Indian shows.

In 1961, Iqbal moved to Live Oak, CA, where, together with his wife and children, he began to create their version of the American Dream.

Iqbal was the first in his family to pursue higher education. He graduated from Chico State in 1969, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics. Iqbal was a firm believer in the power of education and encouraged his children and grandchildren to pursue their studies.

He was immensely proud of his grandchildren's achievements, and never missed an opportunity to celebrate a graduation.

Iqbal was a beloved peach grower from the 1960s, until the day he peacefully passed away. As he grew older, it became nearly impossible to keep him away from the orchards.

Every morning, he would be the first person in the orchard, and would wonder when everyone else would show up. Iqbal was known for being a hard-working, honest, and well-respected gentleman.

In 1980, Iqbal became one of the original founders of Sri Guru Nanak Sikh Temple. Iqbal loved spending his time at the Gurdwara, where he dedicated 30 years of his life as treasurer. The congregation respected his devotion and looked forward to seeing him every time they went to the Gurdwara. His smile brought a sense of comfort and familiarity to all those he knew and met.

Iqbal never missed an opportunity to help others, and worked on improving the lives of so many people around him. As one of the first in his family to settle in California, he helped the rest of his family join him here to better their lives.

People often spoke about how strong Iqbal was, but he was also known for his empathy,
kindness, love and loyalty. He touched the hearts of so many people and will continue to live through the stories we all share.

Iqbal was preceded in death by his father, mother, and sister. He is survived by his wife, Amar Kaur Johl; his son, Takhatpal Singh Johl (wife, Harpreet Johl); and his daughters, Taranjit Johl Dhillon (husband, Gurtej Singh Dhillon), Ranjit Johl Brar (husband, Gurmail Singh Brar), and Rupinder Johl Nordstrom (husband, Marc Andrew Nordstrom).

His legacy will continue to live through his grandchildren, Sabina Johl Dhillon, Arind Singh Brar, Moneeka Kaur Brar, Avneet Kaur Johl, Raunik Singh Dhillon, Andrew Johl Nordstrom, Vikram Singh Johl, and Emma Johl Nordstrom.

Nothing made Iqbal happier than the feeling of his house being full of his children, grandchildren and the people he loved.

He will forever be missed by his family, friends, employees and the community he built.

The family will celebrate his life on October 19, 2024, at 11 AM, at Ullrey Memorial Chapel, 817 Almond St, Yuba City, CA 95991, followed by Bhog of Sehaj Path, at Sri Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, 2269 Bogue Road, Yuba City, CA, 95993. All are invited to join the family in celebrating his life and legacy.