Rala Singh Obituary

Rala Singh, 97, died peacefully on January 1, 2003 after a - productive and vigorous life. He truly lived the American dream and leaves a great legacy to the many generations of family, friends, business associates and charitable organizations who enjoyed his company and support. Rala loved farming. In 1922, he left a tiny village in the Punjab region of India and came to the United States with $126 in his pockets. After living in Detroit and working farms in California, he came to Arizona in 1935 and started his business by renting 40 acres for $700. Singh Farms grew to 800 employees and over 1600 acres in Maricopa County. The business also farmed produce in Colorado, California and New Mexico. The best watermelons across the United States were always from Rala Singh Farms and a popular T-shirt for generations of many Phoenix families proclaims "The King of Melons is a RalaMelon". Rala loved America. He became a naturalized citizen in 1947 and sponsored over 19 members of his extended family to come to the US. Rala always felt the main ingredient of his success was the friendship and advice given to him by American business people in his new country. In 1981, he said "I deeply appreciate the American people. They will stay in my heart until I am gone from this world." Rala loved the YMCA and his friends in the Early Birds. He was proud of exercising every morning then having breakfast and telling stories afterwards with his friends. He was a member for over 50 years. Rala lived a life full of God's praise. He always wore his Sikh bracelet and remembered the precepts of peace and tolerance taught to him as a young man in India. Rala also embraced the Episcopal faith. A long-time member of Trinity Cathedral, he was a generous and active congregant. Though his friends and relatives mourn his death and will miss him terribly, Rala would say "God has been very good to me and I thank him for my wonderful life." We know he is happily distributing his best produce with a laugh and a smile from the trunk of his heavenly Cadillac. Visitation at Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary, 7924 North 59th Avenue, Glendale from 5 pm to 8 pm on Monday, January 6. Funeral services at All Saints Episcopal Church, 6300 N. Central Avenue, Tuesday, January 7 at 11:00 am. Contributions in Rala Singh's memory may be made to the downtown YMCA, 350 North 1st Avenue, Phoenix, 85003 or to the Trinity Episcopal Church Organ Restoration Fund, 100 W. Roosevelt, Phoenix, AZ 85003

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Published by The Arizona Republic from Jan. 4 to Jan. 5, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Rala Singh

5 Entries

Tom Pickrell

January 7, 2003

When I first started working out at the Phx Downtown Y 20 years ago, Rala may have been the first person to say "hello". If he wasn't, then he was certainly the first to shake my hand and ask me where I was from. It was not long after that Rala told me his amazing journey from a poor Indian youth to a proud and grateful American citizen. I came to see his story, often repeated, as his way of reaffirming his bond with his country and his fellowship with a friend.

Rala's fellowship--the morning greeting, the moment to share a thought or story--enriched my life and the lives of others at the Y. I am grateful to live in America. I am lucky to have my health, my friends, and a place where I can go each day that tells me, "Let's be good to each other! We are all in this together!" Thank you, Rala. You were God's gift.

Lon Licht

January 6, 2003

Rala, you will be missed at the downtown YMCA ~ but you will not be forgotten. (I have been an on and off hoops player for the past 17 years at the YMCA and Rala was always there)

Supinder K. Sekhon

January 4, 2003

It was nice to have the opportunity for a pleasant visit at the party. Love, Supinder

Simran Singh Sekhon

January 4, 2003

Goodbye, Tiaji, I love you. It was nice to see you last week. Love from Simran.

Nirmal Singh

January 4, 2003

Tiaji,Thank you for the opportunities you gave to us and Parmatma ap di ruh nu shanti bakhsha. I am so glad we had the opportunity to visit at the party.

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