Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1932
DIED
2021
Samittar Uppal Obituary
One of the leaders of the Sikh Punjabi community, Samittar Singh Uppal, died February 19th, 2021, at Creekside Rehabilitation in Santa Rosa, CA.
Samittar Singh of Live Oak was born in Durhe, Punjab, India, on December 16, 1932, the firstborn son of Resham Singh and Kartar Kaur. He was raised in Beaspind, Punjab, India, where he was active athlete and scholar and earned bachelor's degrees in Philosophy, English and Urdu from Punjab University, Chandigarh, India, in 1960.
After college, Samittar Singh was a teacher before migrating to England in 1961, to further his studies. In England, he became involved in social activism and was a leading member of the Indian Workers Association and supported families of the Indian diaspora establish new lives in England.
After his retirement in England in 1997, he moved with his wife Gurmit to California where he managed a Kiwi farm. He continued his activism in social causes and co-founded the Indo-American Cultural Organization. He was recognized with the highest honors in civic achievement by the California State Assembly.
He is survived by his wife, Gurmit Kaur Uppal, of Santa Rosa, CA; sons, Parmjit (Holly) of Santa Rosa, CA, and Balbir (Nirmal) England; 6 granddaughters; brothers, Mohinder, Avtar, and Kulwant, and a large extended family.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 6th, 2021, at 11am in Santa Rosa, CA.
Share online condolences at
www.appealdemocrat.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Samittar Uppal
March 7, 2021
Our Sincerest condolences to Auntie ji, Bali, Beera and the Uppal family. Uncle ji was a truly kind natured person, always on hand to help others. He moved to England in the early sixties, our families became very close. I remember uncle ji and auntie ji were always around as l was growing up. Both our families socialised on a regular basis enjoying many happy memories. Although Uncle ji moved to California he was still a big part of our lives, visiting on numerous occasions and speaking to us often by phone. My dad has many memories of Uncle ji, one of which was celebrating his birthday in India before he moved to the UK. We are truly devastated, my dad has lost a brother who was also his best friend. Uncle ji will live on in our memories forever. He is sorely missed, my parents are here to support auntie ji, Bali, Beera and the Uppal family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. May God bless his soul and may he rest in peace Kamaljit, Sucha & Surjit Nahal
Niranjan (Nanjo) Rye
March 6, 2021
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
March 6, 2021
Our sincere and deepest sympathy to all the family. Fufarji was such a charismatic, full of life, and heart warming person who saw the best in everyone. He touched so many hearts with his worldly knowledge and inspirational advise. He will surely be missed. May god bless his soul and may he rest in peace.
Zed/Rani & family
Sukh, Sandeep, Pavin, Jayna and family
March 6, 2021
Fufarji was inspirational, admirable and very likeable. I was fairly young when he moved to the US, but i have fond memories of his genuine love, care and support for our family. He always upheld a good presence who was always there to support and help his family, friends and the community. My heart felt condolences to dear Puaji, Bali, Bera and rest of the family during this difficult time.
March 6, 2021
Auntie ji, Bali and Beera We are deeply sorry for your loss. Uncle ji was an amazing person, who always made time for others. He was a remarkable man who helped so many throughout his life. I have many childhood memories of uncle ji talking about political issues and human rights, he was in his element in any social setting. I will never forget the kindness he extended to our family when I was born. He will be sorely missed and leaves a huge void in the lives of all who knew him.
May Wareguru Ji bless his soul and give his family strength at this incredibly difficult time.
Amarjit, Talvinder & Family
Balihar Singh and Surinder Kaye Dhillon
March 6, 2021
Respected Bhua Jee and Uppal Family,
We were so shocked to hear the demise of Phuphar jee. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. May God bless the departed soul and give the courage and strength to cope with the loss the family is going through .
Life is the most beautiful creation of Waheguru but sad part is that all of us must go one day . That is the way the script is written.
Gurbani says :
Whatever has been created shall be destroyed; everyone shall perish ,
today or tomorrow.
A successful life is not measured by how many years one lived . It is measured by his accomplishments. When we looked into Phuphar Jee life , he lived his life to the fullest. He always stood and fight for the oppressed . His charming smiles,social skills and zest for life , always ready to help are the few traits of Phuphar Jee . I have so many sweet memories of Phuphar Jee . His younger brother Mr .Kulwant Singh is about the same age as me and as a child I slept lots of nights in Beaspind . Phuphar Jee lived his life like a Champion. Champion never dies . He will be living in the minds of thousands.he came across.
He will be missed dearly.
At this point we must celebrate the life of a legend .
God Bless the Bhua Jee and Chhote Veer Bali and Balvir and their families .
Gurbani says:
The rays of light merge with the Sun, and water merge with water . One’s light blends with the Light and one becomes totally perfect .
Balihar Singh Dhillon
Surinder Kaur Dhillon
Calgary , Canada .
Surjit and Amritpal Dhillon
March 6, 2021
Our beloved Fufarji was truly an extraordinary man. His determined disposition and dedication to both his family and community was like no other. He was a great public speaker, who thrived in social settings and was loved by so many. Immigrating to England in the 1960’s had its difficulties but Fufarji did not withdraw from his social responsibilities. For us, as our parents were still in India, he unconsciously took the role of a second father figure, which he upheld throughout his life.
Looking back, there was not a week that did not go by that we did not come together; the family felt full and the house would be bustling with chatter, laughter and good times. Even though you moved to America, we remained intertwined, and we knew we had your love and support through every challenge of life, however miniscule. It is hard to condense over 40 years of wonderful memories yet we are eternally grateful for them all. It is difficult to accept that you have gone, but your legacy remains through your many contributions to society and of course through your children. Our love and support goes to our dear Puaji, and the rest of the family, may Waheguruji help you find strength, comfort and peace at this difficult time.
May Waheguruji bless him and let him rest in peace in his sanctuary.
From Surjit, Amritpal and family.
Sandeep
March 5, 2021
So sad to see Fufarji leave us. It would have been lovely to see him one last time. I have so many great memories of so many conversations and debates with him and I have no doubt benefited hugely from his knowledge, advice and encouragement to succeed. He was a huge part of our lives and he will be sorely missed by all. Love and support for puaji and the rest of the family - it’s not easy but try and remember all the good times. Sandeep, Raminder, Avneet and Sereena.
Sandeep
March 5, 2021
So sad to see Fufarji leave us. It would have been lovely to see him one last time. I have so many great memories of so many conversations and debates with him and I have no doubt benefited hugely from his knowledge, advice and encouragement to succeed. He was a huge part of our lives and he will be sorely missed by all. Love and support for puaji and the rest of the family - it’s not easy but try and remember all the good times. Sandeep, Raminder, Avneet and Sereena
Manjit Hyare
March 5, 2021
Our heartfelt condolences to the Uppal family Samittar Paji was a Great man with towering personality, well educated very knowledgable and well informed and could comfortably talk about World politics social and religious issues
We always enjoyed his company and hospitality We spent Quality time with Samittar Paji and Gurmit bhanji when we visited a few times on their Farm in California
May his Pure and Brave Soul RIP
Johal Family
March 4, 2021
Our deepest condolences to the Uppal family. Uncle was from a generation that left India and started a new lives overseas. But he did it twice, once in the UK and then again in the USA. This requires determination and courage. He was educated, well read and confident in his abilities and we were always impressed with how knowledgeable and well informed he was on so many matters.
We consider ourselves lucky to have known him and had the opportunity to share some interesting conversations with him about politics and religion.
He will be missed by everyone that knew him and had the pleasure of his company.
Our sincerest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the Uppal Family.
Johal Family
Jaskarn, Kinder, Gian, Teran
Pavan
March 4, 2021
Our deepest condolences to Puaji, Bali Paji, Beera Paji and the family. Fufarji was a great humble human being, who loved and supported everyone unconditionally. I wish I could be there to support the family and say goodbye to his final and peaceful journey. This is a huge loss for all of us and he will be hugely missed, from Pavan, Arjun and Jaggi
Balbir Uppal
March 3, 2021
My Dear Dad , was a great , moral, reliable , hard working man , who enjoyed helping others. A natural orator , making speeches fearlessly and without notes to fight for equality , against racism and prejudice and supporting women’s equality. He had a presence and energy to engage and lift people. As a father he always supported me. I miss him too much to put into words. Rest in peace my dear Father. I will love you forever.
Resham Nagra
March 2, 2021
Our deepest condolences to family. What a beautiful life story! Samitar bhaji was a dear friend. He touched many lives with his humble mannerism and left some wonderful memories with our family members. He left a beautiful legacy behind. May God give strength to Gurmit bhabhi, Bali, Holly, Balbir and rest of the family to cope with their loss. He will be missed!❤
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Samittar Uppal's name
Memorial Events
for Samittar Uppal
How to support Samittar's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Samittar Uppal's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
