Pritam Singh Atwal

In the loving memory of Sardar Pritam S. Atwal March 2, 1923 - January 1, 2010 Sardar Pritam Singh Atwal was born in near Lahore in present day Pakistan to Late Ram Singh and Late Bhagwan Kaur. He was the eldest, among his three brothers Mohinder Singh, Mukhtiar Singh, Shangara Singh, and sister Gurbachan Kaur. At the age of 21 married Late Gurnam Kaur in Pakistan, who was originally from Phaghwara. As eldest son of their clan, at the age of 24, great responsibility rested on his shoulders. During the partition of India and Pakistan his family made a perilous journey to new lands in Barwa, Punjab. With his physical strength, unrestrained courage and a keen sense of leadership their small clan of close relatives successfully navigated the hazards of an ethnic war. The tightknit group endured the impossible but in Barwa they thrived once again. Here they lived, laughed and celebrated the birth of his three sons, Sarabjit, Kuldip, Surjit and two daughters, Kulvir and late Amrik Kaur. For 27 years he cultivated the land like his grandfathers had before him; however, in his era new machinery allowed more time for leisure and the chance to enjoy all that life had to offer. Together the four brothers produced harvest after harvest, they looked after each other and their young families. Sardar Pritam Singh Atwal was well known for his generosity to all members of the community and would often times offer his good name on the behalf of those less fortunate. In 1982, at the request of his eldest son Sarabjit, he migrated to California. Sadar Pritam Singh Atwal was the first Sikh farmer in Tracy, California. Here he settled into the daily life of a grandfather, raising two young boys Paul and Jesse. Alongside his three sons they carried on the family tradition of cultivating corn, sugar beets and hay. Times were good and the family was close. Soon after the marriage of his younger sons the family grew and in 1990 he again moved for the last time to Merced. Here he and his wife of 52 years cared for Jimmi, Steven, Kelly, and Jason. Sardar Pritam Atwal had great journey from Pakistan to present day home Merced. This journey allowed him to experience wonderful people and memories. His love and wisdom were cherished by the entire family up until his last peaceful breath on January 1, 2010. He will always be remembered for his strength, patients, and blissful demeanor by his entire family and friends. Sardar Pritam Singh Atwal He is survived by his three sons, Sarabjit Atwal, Kuldip Atwal, and Surjit Atwal, and his daughter Kulvir Sandhu; three daughter-in-laws, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren who will miss him dearly but will continue his legacy forever.

Tributes

Pritam Singh Atwal

March 2, 1923 - January 1, 2010