Manjit Singh

Many great things can be said about Manjit Singh. He will forever be known to family, friends, coworkers, and acquaintances as the funny, energetic, jovial, intelligent man he was. Even when put in the most difficult situations, his quick-thinking and sharp mind would give him the strength to move forward. Lighting up every room he walked into, and always keeping a warm hearted and calm composure were among his many strong points. He had always kept close relationships with everyone around him and would always use his compassion and kindness to put others before himself. Throughout his years, he has inspired and helped many people and his many accomplishments are too small in comparison.

Born on February 3, 1969, in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, Manjit met his family of seven siblings and a caring and hardworking father, as well as a loving and supportive mother. Even as a child, Manjit strived while making strong connections with those he knew and working hard at whatever he did. He embodied the perfect proportion of self-confidence and humbleness, demonstrating the balance between being straightforward and honest, yet kind and mindful. Despite his achievements, he had always remained humble and held out his hand to help those who needed it.

Growing up with his four sisters and three brothers, Manjit was involved in many activities including those at his school and throughout his community. His calm demeanor allowed him to focus on the importance of the little things in life, allowing him to reach his full potential. Wherever he went, he brought along his sense of peace and focus, along with his energetic and regenerating personality. He carried these traits with him into adulthood, serving as the pleasure and delight to all those around him. Whether it be during his childhood days, or his adult life, Manjit was a man who could never sit still for a moment. His mind would continue to work even as he was relaxing and he always found time to fulfill whatever he wished to.

As a young boy, Manjit grew up in various activities. He was well-known for his agility and strength on the field as he played soccer and hockey with his peers. He was dedicated to his sports and even went as far as representing his country at the State level. As a child, he still proved his value to his community and family and continued to develop his novel mind and humorous nature. Whether he was surrounded by older or younger people, or people from various backgrounds, he was easily able to win everyone's hearts and relate to them through his enthusiastic and socially catalyst ways. From a young age, he inspired all those around him and encouraged everyone to be the best person they could be.

Manjit had always stressed the importance of helping others, but also developing yourself in the best ways one can. He forever believed the value of having wealth from a good family and career, but not at the expense of one's spiritual wealth. As a faithful Sikh, he did his daily prayers and even played the tabla, a type of Indian drum, in the temple. He was known in his community for having gifted hands that allowed him to pick up any beats as he played the tabla in the temple for the whole sangat, or congregation, to hear. One of his dreams was to learn how to play the harmonium to the religious hymns, and though he was unable to learn this, he encouraged his two daughters to pick up the skill. Together, both children and father collaborated in the temple as they played the harmonium and he continued to play the tabla. In Sikhism, it is equally important to pray and to serve, and Manjit had always lived by this rule.

Throughout his schooling years, he was naturally cheered for and applauded by his peers, as he was great on the field and in all his classes. His exemplary leadership and people skills allowed him to attract people towards him by his captivating stories and many talents. He was known for his sharp mind and amusing personality. In this sense, Manjit has always been able to prove himself a valuable asset in whatever he was a part of. As an excellent speaker and listener, he understood the essence of learning and that each moment has a lesson behind it, but only if you actually put your mind to it, will you be able to learn it.

Manjit's excellence and dedication in his work field have given him the great opportunities to travel locally, juggling between the west and east coasts, as well as internationally, on projects from the Middle East to Asia. He had traveled to various places, including China, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Turkey, India, Singapore, Malaysia, and many more. leaving behind a personal mark in each place. Throughout his adventures, he had been able to add on to his never-ending supply of friends and everlasting memories. His appreciation for different cultures and styles allowed him to communicate with people from all over the world.

As always being a great companion and friend, Manjit had always sought to understand others and what they enjoyed. He possessed such a large collection of friends and will always be remembered as the jocose character that brought life to every event and gathering with his social ease and enchanting conversations. It was evident in Manjit's gracious presence that he hoped for the best for everyone and was happiest when he was collaborating with or helping others, rather than being on the receiving end himself.

As a teenager, Manjit met Manraaj Kaur Sandhu in Singapore, and they were a successful pair of teenage sweethearts. From the first time he met her, Manjit knew she was the one. He was determined to spend the rest of his life with her, and after seven hard years of trying to propose, Manraaj finally said yes to marriage. The two of them began a family, with two gorgeous daughters, to whom Manjit was fully committed to. Despite his many other commitments, family came first to him, and he never failed to say how much he loved his wife daily and was always there to celebrate the little things. Never had he forgotten to be a part of any celebrations or events for the family, even if he was working abroad.

Manjit's kind spirit and love translated into him being a wonderful father to his two daughters, to whom he referred to as his two brave sons. He had shared his qualities and instilled his values in his children, Pavan and Kanchan. The children had always loved him dearly and he was completely devoted to them, cherishing every moment they shared together.

Manjit derived much satisfaction from actively being involved in both professional and communal organizations. He was known for his ability to strengthen any group endeavor and his willingness to put aside his own needs for the satisfaction and well-being of others. His natural leadership allowed him to successfully structure and organize any organization.

His faith in God and his hope for life and the future were as strong as he was. He always said, "Everything will be ok," since he always believed that whatever happened happened as per God's will, and God is never wrong. Manjit's ability to adapt in any situation and to always see the glass as half full rather than half empty, are some of the many reasons why he was such a strong support system to all he knew.

During his work project in Shanghai, China, Manjit had suffered from a cardiac arrest. As he was rushed to the hospital, his heart stopped working and he fell to his death. After forty five minutes, he was resuscitated from his death, but unfortunately he was stuck in a coma. He was transferred to a hospital in Hong Kong at the time and slowly moved his way out of the coma and into a semi coma. When he was able to be transferred, he was brought back to California to the Cedars Sinai hospital so he could be close to his two daughters and wife. It was devastating to see him laying down for he was the man who hated sitting down for no reason, and the man who used his brain as his solution to everything. It was after being brought to his home in Arcadia, California, on January 30, 2016, that he took his last breathes in his wife's arms. Seeing him in a state like this was difficult for all, but many prayers were done for him and therefore, he is leaving this world as a spiritually rich man. People from all walks of life had been praying for him during his ordeal.

Though Manjit may physically not be here with us anymore, he is still in the hearts of all those he knew and his achievements and smile will never be forgotten. The way he brought laughter to those who were sad and the way he got along with everyone will forever be in our memories and hearts. His gregarious and outgoing character and tender heart will be left behind along with his legacy of friendships and cherished memories. All those whose lives have been touched by him will dearly remember Mr. Manjit Singh as he embarks on a new journey with God and still watches over us from above.