Gurdev Singh Mann

1954 - 2021

Gurdev (Dave) Singh Mann
1954 - 2021
Resident of Almaden Valley
Gurdev (Dave) Singh Mann, the beloved son of the late Sardar Atma Singh Mann and Sardarni Malkit Kaur Mann, a long-term pillar in our community, passed away on August 6th, 2021. Known lovingly as Sodhi or Coach, Dave leaves a tremendous void in our community, as well as in the hearts of his family and friends.
Dave is survived by his cherished wife - Binder Kaur Mann, his sons - Gary and Ricky, niece and nephew- Erica and Richard, daughter in laws–Deepi and Lisa, grandchildren – Bianca, Sahaani, Ajuni and Ezra, mother - Malkit Kaur Mann, brothers - Mohinder Singh Mann and Jatinder Singh Mann, along with an extended and close knit family; all of whom have lost a bright light. Dave was a loving husband; present father; loyal son; a steadfast brother; great uncle; and a giant in the lives of so many whether on a tennis court, coaching youth sports or generously volunteering his time to the community.
Born on November 5th, 1954, as the oldest son of an immigrant family, Dave epitomized the American dream. Dave immigrated to San Jose in 1969 from Ganganagar, Rajasthan with his family. The Mann family spent an initial few years in Oregon while Dave's father obtained his license to practice law; one of the first few of Indian descent.
Dave and his family returned to Campbell/San Jose to be closer to their extended family, much at the insistence of Dave, who even as a child, valued the importance of being present for both one's family and community. Upon settling back in the South Bay with their extended family, Dave studied Criminology at San Jose State, while working various jobs ranging from landscaping to a line cook to help the family set up roots while his father worked on establishing a law practice in a new country. The family's hard work and dedication to achieving the American dream included officially establishing the Mann Law Firm in 1974, one of the longest standing local San Jose law firms, which Dave helped manage throughout its long duration; alongside his brother (Mohinder S. Mann) and son (Gary S. Mann) who continue the family tradition of practicing law. Dave also had a long and distinguished independent career in private security with FMC and other Bay Area giants.
Beyond helping his family establish strong roots in a new country, Dave served our community with his ongoing involvement, whether as a coach, teammate or a mentor. Along with his humble service to our community, he inspired our youth to actively participate in sports, to look out for one another and to lead by example.
Dave served as both a coach and the Director of the Almaden Valley Youth Soccer League, as well as District 2 Commissioner for the California Youth Soccer League. Dave's passion for encouraging youth involvement in sports equally carried over to his love of tennis, whether with Almaden Valley Athletic Club or on the local courts at Leland High School. Dave appreciated a good competitive match of tennis and could regularly be found seeking out tournaments. Dave's love for community also carried over in the local San Jose Punjabi Community, whether helping organize the San Jose Punjabi Mela, helping serve chai/food at the local gurdwaras, flipping pancakes at Christmas brunch, or ensuring any community get together was organized and well executed. Dave's beloved grandkids will remember grandpa as being funny, present, always teaching them something new, and the absolute best cheerleader. Dave was a father figure and a role model to so many. He would help anyone and never strayed from his convictions - selfless, kind, and humble. He lived his life with integrity and served his community with humility.
Coach Dave will be lovingly remembered as a generous, kind and selfless man, a loyal friend, a dedicated coach, a competitive tennis player, and a pillar for the Mann family, who was taken too early. The Mann family is grateful for the outpouring of love from so many in the community who cherished our Dave as much as we all did.
"He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much." Bessie Anderson Stanley
"As sparks flying out of the flame fall back on the fire from which they rise, As dust rising from the earth falls back upon the same earth, So from God come all things under the sun and to God return their race is done." Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Langar and Antim Ardaas (final prayers) will be held at 12:00 pm on Thursday, August 12th at the Fremont Gurdwara Sahib, located at 300 Gurdwara Rd, Fremont, CA 94536. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any donations (monetary or time) be made directly to support local youth sports programs, in memory of Coach Dave.


View the online memorial for Gurdev (Dave) Singh Mann