Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Dr. Shabeg Singh Sandhu

About

Purdue University

FUNERAL HOME

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory

300 Saint Mary's Street

Raleigh, North Carolina

Shabeg Sandhu Obituary

Dr. Shabeg Singh Sandhu

December 4, 1937 - August 2,2014

Durham

Dr. Shabeg Singh Sandhu, born December 4, 1937, passed suddenly and too soon on August 2nd 2014. He was born in Lahore and lost both his parents by the time he was eight years old. Despite struggling as an orphan, he obtained his undergraduate and masters degrees with honors from Punjab University. He was also a well known scholar in Sikhi writings. In the early 1960s, he met with then Prime Minister Nehru along with the Sikh leader at the time to discuss Sikh interests in Punjab.

He obtained his PhD in genetics in 23 months from Purdue University and led a distinguished career as a professor and researcher. He traveled around the world representing the United States Environmental Protection Agency as well as the United Nations as a speaker and distinguished Delegate of International task forces. Later in his career he became a successful developer.

His greatest joy and gifts were his unwavering humility, compassion, wit, and devotion to helping others. His unique ability to find common ground regardless of cultural, racial, and socioeconomic differences was unparalleled. A devoted Rotarian and gardener, he leaves his life partner and wife Surinder, three children, Dr. Aman Sandhu, Navi Sandhu J.D., Dr. Ripple Shabeg Singh Sandhu, two granddaughters, Noor Shabeg Singh Sandhu and Ria Sandhu, his beloved extended family and his friends. He will be missed and is loved very much. His integrity, compassion and selfless giving will live on forever.

A memorial service will be held on August 9th at 3 pm at the Sikh Gurdwara of North Carolina on Banner Street in Durham, NC. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Research Triangle Rotary Club's polio eradication efforts.

www.BrownWynne.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Observer on Aug. 6, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Shabeg Sandhu

Sponsored by Sandhu family .

62 Entries

Surinder sandhu

August 2, 2025

Miss you so very much 11 years, !

Ripple Shabeg Sandhu

August 1, 2025

Dad- I am now aware this entire thing is public(!! -I didn´t know people could read what was written!!) - 11 years later!?!
Mom´s garden production would shock you- she still uses your seeds. And Jax is obsessed with eating thar and your berries.
Your influence is profound, Dad- the way your grandkids are the embodiment of you and Mom- maybe it does skip a generation

Father you are my favorite and my best
Always
RSS

surinder sandhu

April 21, 2024

On April 8, Finley your name is engraved at North Carolina Central University, it was a beautiful celebration, we had started endowment funds, fully paid, then Covid started, everything got pushed back, finally Ripple took the charges to get it done, They have your beautiful pictures in the conference hall, we did not invite any friends, just family members, sorry that Ripple couldn´t not join us, health issues, Aman, Navi, Noor, Jas, Bhind, Mohan, Pummy, Meenu, & Harkiran, there were lots of staff, whole Biology department, Chair, Dean and Chancellor, From the Family it was me and Noor who spoke, Dean of science Department is from Lahore, Punjabi, Chancellor opened the ceremony,
I wish I didn´t have to do endowment, You were here
You´re missed always

surinder sandhu

April 19, 2024

You know we have grandson, Navi and Karen´s son, they have named him Jax Singh Sandhu, born on February 16, 2024, today he is 9 weeks older, he is a darling, so cute so alert, I wish you were here to tech him to read, writing $ gardening, We are have Kirtan at our home on May 25 to introduce him to the family and friends, Also it will be his first visit to his Dada´s home, wish you were here with us
I am at the beach house with Ria and couple of her friends from college

surinder sandhu

April 19, 2024

I still remember the first time Shabeg came to our home in Amritsar

surinder sandhu

April 19, 2024

I still remember first time he came to our home in Amritsar, when he was a classmate of my brother at Khalsa College Amritsar, after that he became a regular visitor with his grandmother, even after we had moved to Patiala

Harbans Lal

August 15, 2023

We still miss him.

Ripple Sandhu

August 13, 2023

Khalsa College, Amritsar

surinder sandhu

February 26, 2018

How can I put my feelings in words, I am not able to. You left us without any warning. It has been three and half years, but still can not believe that you are gone, will never see you again.
Going home tomorrow afternoon after two weeks of a wonderful vacation., with dear friends.

surinder sandhu

February 25, 2018

As you know I am on vacation with mine & your favorite friends. How much I miss you no body knows. In Sydney, remember your visits here, I am seeing the places you had been to, today going to Melbourne. I know you also went there.
These three & half years have been hard, but also good times, ripple's, Noor's, navi's achievements, Aman's wonderful job, but you missed it all.
We all miss you

surinder sandhu

February 21, 2018

Dear ripple, you are so right DAD is very proud of you as he always was. You never gave up, keep your head up.
Love you,
Mom

February 19, 2018

thinking about you

Ripple Shabeg Sandhu

February 4, 2018

Dear Dad- You and I - WE did it. We never gave up. Thank you for being my biggest fan.
You will always be my most favorite person ever.
And I still look pretty! Ha!

December 5, 2017

December 4th, 2017

80 years ago, God created a miracle. You live on. With every breath we take.

Your big sister has come to be with you.

I love you Dad

Sandhu Spirit

October 21, 2017

We honor you with every breath we take.

surinder sandhu

August 4, 2017

This is the first year that we did not plant our big vegetables garden. Navi & Jas use to prepare the fields, plant the seeds, but after that they did not have time to weed it. Then all that weed will take over. Then we decided to just plant in the raised beds, one we got built after we saw at goodwill farm when we did some Voulentier work.
I planted okra, eggplants, arugula & tomatoes, basil . We get Bhindi every day, I have shared with friends. I pick arugula for salad, Noor does not like the taste of it. When I cook bhindi, everyone remembers that was your favorite vegetable.
So much figs, from our new plants you had planted about a year ago. So much to tell you. Maybe next time.
Miss your every thing, you working in the office, in the garden, getting mad, drinking, sleeping, missed your dinner they evil day you fell.

Ripple S. Sandhu

July 18, 2017

Summer in NC, at our home, is the best gift a parent could give a child. Im staying forever (soon).

Mayor Sandhu is next on the to-do list. Vote for NSIII.

Thank you for the Crepuscular Rays,
my favorite and my best-

Ripple Shabeg Sandhu

Ripple Sandhu

June 18, 2017

Happy Father's Day, Dada!

we miss our two favorite best friends- you and Rusty.

We are so grateful to be able to go home and into the garden- and know that you are there. And Storm is the best gift Rusty could have given us. Thank you.

Holy snakes!! forever.
always, Dad. you are in our every breath. love,
ripple, noor, and ria

Ripple Shabeg Sandhu

June 13, 2017

Thank you, Dad. Xo ripple

surinder sandhu

May 11, 2017

as you know Aman had a very scarring illness. you are watching over your family, & wahe guru's blessings, she is home now & recovering.
every one is missing you so much day and night. can not & will never understand why you have to leave us !

Ripple

April 3, 2017

Never give up!!!!
Tar Heels are the National Champions!!!!

Like you ALWAYS said- PAY the PRICE
Redemption WILL come!!!!

Xo

surinder sandhu

March 31, 2017

as ripple already told you about Noor's great achievement, i know you are very happy, every one wishes that you were here with her
i have so much to tell you, may be next time

Ripple

March 30, 2017

Dad- today is the greatest day- your granddaughter was accepted to DUKE!!!
She did it!!!!!!

Thank you for raising the best kid on the planet; and for once, I'm not talking about me!

Love you and Rusters every millisecond

surinder sandhu

February 21, 2017

every morning I sit down to share my feelings with you, then i stop, because there is so much to tell you that I can not put it on the paper. but today i am telling you few things, as know, Noor is already 18 years. She has applied to colleges,waiting to know where she will be going! it is going to be very hard without you. Also we bought a condo at the beach, you will love it, I was looking at the sun rise the last time i was there, you use to get up so early to watch the sun rise.
Life is not the same without you, it will never will be. We all miss you so much. I am writing a journal now, will share with you some time in future

surinder sandhu

December 6, 2016

Your family had a kirtan in your honor, your birthday day was hard in every one.
Life is not the same, but we are trying to be positive .
Endowment fund on your name is set up.
Want to keep your positive thoughts about education going
We miss you so much

December 5, 2016

Yes! Happy birthday from Kylie!

Your Family

December 4, 2016

Dear Dad
Happy Birthday!! You are so loved and so missed by more people than you could imagine. I know you and Rusty are with us because I see you in all of the beautiful miracles of each day.
Thank you for that gift, Dad. You are forever our inspiration and your spirit gives us a strength that won't be stopped! Sandhu Spirit forever!
Always

Gopala Krishna

October 17, 2016

Dr. Sandhu-ji's help and guidance in my early professional life is much appreciated. I visited his lab at EPA during 1982/83 and learned a lot. I thank him for his kindness and PRAY so his sole may rest in peace.
Sincerely, Gopala Krishna, 1984 WVU PhD graduate, currently in Maryland serving as Vice President at a Neuroscience Pharma Company 10-17-2016

June 20, 2016

Happy Father's Day
Love
Your children and grandchildren

Ripple Shabeg Sandhu

June 9, 2016

Summer just isn't the same without you waking me up with green juice and tomato soup. Even when I was way too old, I would fake being asleep, and as soon as you left my room, I would get up and eat all of the conconctions you had made for me. They were always so dang good!
I am the luckiest girl on the planet to have had my Dad and my dog - my most favorite and most best.

Always,

Ripple Shabeg Sandhu

March 9, 2016

Dad- Two very special people are coming to be with you. I take comfort in knowing that you will take care of them forever and that my best friend gets to be with his most favorite person, and you will be with your niece.
We love and miss you every second of every every minute of every day!

All of us

February 14, 2016

With love, grace, and humility

Rusty and Fluffy Sandhu

February 14, 2016

Forever and ever
Amen

Ripple Shabeg Sandhu

February 14, 2016

Every second of every day, Dad.

Alexandria, Noor, and Ripple Shabeg Sandhu ( with Rusty, Fluffy,Scout, Mom, Aman, Navi, and KT)

November 3, 2015

For you, Dada.
There's no stopping us right now...

RSS

September 30, 2015

Dad- tonight I worked in the adult ED, and my first patient was an 80+ yr old indian gentleman who was quite sick; he was there with his wife. And from the moment I walked into the room, I imagined what it would be like if they were you and Mom. They called me "Dr. Sandhu" and I asked them to call me Ripple instead. Such a lovely couple.
What really got me-i asked the wife If she had the phone number to his cardiologist and she said " Bhai- tell Ripple the phone number to the heart doctor" . And he proceeded to recite from memory the phone number- just like you!! It was un-real!
I had to walk out of the room because I got choked up- it was as if you were there in that moment with me.
But the best part was- I wrote the number down, and called it. It was the WRONG NUMBER!!! Instead of a cardiologist, I got cursed out by an angry woman somewhere in NJ. It was perfect
Of course, I could not tell the old man that he gave me a bogus number- I simply said that I spoke with his cardiologist and he agreed with my plan:))))
You always have been and always will be My favorite and my best-

Kyle Garmon Liston

August 27, 2015

For the man who cared for me as if he was my second father, much love! You are very much missed!

Ripple Sandhu

August 25, 2015

"We are tied to the ocean... And when we go back to the sea...we are going back from whence we came". Surf city, NC. August 5, 2015

Noor Shabeg Singh Sandhu

February 25, 2015

Dada, words can't describe how devastated I am. Not a second passes by where I don't miss you and wish that you were still here. You were not only my grandfather but my father as well. There is so much that I want to say that I don't even know how to begin. You taught me so much in my life. You taught me how to be kind, strong, intelligent, powerful, confident and so much more. You never let me believe that I couldn't accomplish something as long as I worked hard enough for it. No words that I say will ever be able to give you justice as a person and in your accomplishments. You came from such humble beginnings and you have helped so many people and their families. I know that you are in heaven and watching over me. As I move forward in life the pain will never go away. As your first granddaughter, my only job in life now is to try to make you proud in whatever I do. You are a true Sikh and you have touched so many peoples lives. I feel so blessed and lucky to have had such an amazing role model and hero in my life. God blessed all of us to have put such an amazing person like you on this earth. I will never ever be the same without you and for as long as I live there will be a huge emptiness in my heart. I feel so honored to know that your blood runs through mine and I will keep your legacy alive until my time comes. I will take care of everything including Nana. You have helped so many people throughout your life and you still are by being an organ donor. You truly are my hero and you will never be forgotten. I respect you so much and everything that I do now is for you. I love you so much Dada. Until we meet again.

Love,

Noor Shabeg Singh Sandhu

Ripple Shabeg Sandhu

February 23, 2015

When I was home, I took your truck to the Durham Co. dumpsite. The guy who works there said he had not seen you in a while, and I had to tell him why. Dad- if you could have seen this man's reaction-he started to cry like a baby and I had to empty the whole truck by myself because he was crying so hard! Thanks Dad :)

And just like you did for so many during your life, you continue to help so many more with your gift as an organ donor. We look forward to meeting those new family members (and I'll tell them to call Mom "Mammi Ji" and show them your garden :)

I know you are so proud of Mom's strength and dignity, Aman's resilience, Navi's success, Noor's grace and unwavering conviction, Ria's gentleness and charm, Rusty's viciousness, and Fluffy's loyalty

With so much gratitude, honor, respect, pride, and love-

I am Shabeg's daughter.

your most favorite child :)

Kyle (Kylie) Liston

October 27, 2014

I'm deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Sandhu! He treated me as his own daughter when I was growing up with Aman, Navi, and later, Ripple. Surinder was always the gracious wife and nurturer. He would often engage in discussions and debates with Aman and I as children. He built for us with Bob Bruce a tree house in the backyard of the Radcliff Circle home. I remember the smell of the corriander he grew in his garden. He relocated his entire extended family to safer countries. I know how much he missed his family when they went to India just after Ripple's birth. He often took me to the Sikh temple events in Durham at local churches and schools, long before the Sikh temple was ever built! I loved him very much and will miss him! My prayers and condolences extend out to his family and loved ones.

Amarjit Singh Basra

August 9, 2014

Dear Surinder Ji and Family,

We just came back from Bhog and Antim Ardad of esteemed Dr Sandhu at the Sikh
Gurdwara of North Carolina in Durham - and feel a personal sense of great loss over his sudden departure. A Sikh pioneer in Carolinas, distinguished scientist, and an icon of human progres, courage, humility, and selfless service. Dr Sandhu's grace, wisdom, and loving support will be dearly missed by the family, friends, and the broader community!

Spending this life fruitfully Gurmukh goes to the other world.
There in the True court (of Waheguru) he gets his True place!
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji – Panaa 19

Our prayers are with the Sandhu family in this time of grief - Amarjit & Ranjit Basra

August 9, 2014

Really sad to hear Dr.Sandu passed away. My condolences to Surinder auntie and rest of the family. He will be certainly missed.

Joshua Furr

August 9, 2014

Dear Surinder, I'm so sad about Shebegs passing but I was so lucky to be given 11 years with a man who I looked up to as a Father! I will never forget the great memories and will always be there for you and the Sandhu Family! Joshua Furr

Tejpal and Parminder Dhillon

August 8, 2014

Saddened by the sudden passing on of Dr. Shabeg Singh Sandhu. Our heartfelt condolences to Surinder, Aman, Navi, Ripple, Noor, Ria and the whole extended family. May Waheguru give everyone the strength to bear this loss. May his soul rest in peace. The community has lost one of its senior most members. He will be missed.

Lukhwinder Sidhu

August 8, 2014

Dear Mama ji. You will be missed. Thank you is such a small word to express our gratitude for all you did for us. Our thoughts and prayers are always with the family.

Deborah Puckett

August 8, 2014

Surinder and family,our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. This was so sudden. Dr. Shandhu was a special and unique person. We will miss him.

Gurpreet Manes

August 7, 2014

Dear Mama Ji, So many of us have to thank you for all you have done. You will always be missed but never forgotten. We will always love and respect you in our hearts.

Jasleen Kaur

August 7, 2014

Will always carry my fondness for Uncle Ji in my heart. He always met me with a smile, appreciation, and encouragement. WIll miss him a lot.

Harbans Lal

August 7, 2014

Dr. Shabeg Singh Sandhu's sudden demise was a shock to us. Only a few weeks ago we were chatting about our visit to catch up with many things. We were deeply saddened when we heard of his fatal accident. I met Dr. Sandhu as soon as he arrived in USA. Since then we remained friends and as research colleagues in environmental toxicology research. As you know, Shabeg served as Area Expert in Ecological toxicology and population genetics, in the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory of EPA in Research Triangle, North Caroline. In that capacity he coauthored many papers and books on the subject of his interest. He was an international expert in the genetic toxicology. He was also interested in the progress his community was making in USA. When I founded Academy of Guru Granth Studies, he readily accepted to be member of its Board of Directors. We met frequently and my wife and I were his house guests whenever we visited North Caroline. We found him as a friend with big heart, deep wisdom, and concern for his community. With time we became members of his extended family as the whole family began to welcome us. Along with his many friends scattered all of world we will miss Shabeg for years to come.

Mark & Claudia Stephens

August 6, 2014

Surinder and Family. Mark and I are heartbroken for you. We will all miss Dr. Sandhu so very much but he lives in our hearts and minds. He was a man who walked the earth in humility, but with so much strength and kindness. A man all men should emulate. We are so very happy to have shared a part of his life. God bless you and keep you.

"King" Bruce

Robert M,. Dr. Bruce

August 6, 2014

My friendship with Shabeg goes back to the sixties while graduate students at Purdue University. Over the years we have been close friends while at the US EPA in NC and since I retired in Oregon. I will surely miss my good friend who always referred to me as "King" Bruce. Love and condolences to all the family, Lyn, Bob, Shannon & Sean

Wendell Alphin

August 6, 2014

To the Sandhu family I extend my sincerest condolences. Dr. Sandhu was one the nicest, most sincere and genuine gentlemen that I ever had the privilege of getting to know. As a family I can't imagine the grief you must be feeling at this time. Just please remember that he will be long remembered for his love of his family and his community.

Pami/Lalli Garcha

August 6, 2014

Our prayers are with Sandhu family at this time; please accept our condolences on your loss. It's a shock when you get news of this type and reminds us of how short, precious and unpredictable life is. He is remembered.

August 6, 2014

Aman & Family, So sorry to read about the passing of your father. He was a very special man. Dwane & Alice Byrd (Dawn Byrd Andrews' parents)

Marvin and Liz Mickens

August 6, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. (Your Fairfield neighbors.)

Gray Ellis

August 6, 2014

May comfort and peace come from great memories of an extraordinary life that we will all celebrate.

Karen Tiwana

August 5, 2014

Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality. ~Emily Dickinson
Heartfelt condolences to the Sandhu family on your loss.

Kanwal & Vikas Thakur

August 4, 2014

Words fall short of expressing the sadness we feel about your loss. Our hearts are with you in this time of sorrow. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Showing 1 - 62 of 62 results