Tributes

Pritam Singh Kajla passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on March 18, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on June 6, 1933, in Tagitagi, Tavua District, Viti Levu Island, Fiji Islands, he was known for his integrity and a strong work ethic. Mr. Singh lived a purposeful life filled with compassion and honesty. He loved his five successful children and flourished as a grandfather. Mr. Singh had a strong connection to his Sikh faith and his spiritual relationship to God. He touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Raj Kaur Singh, along with his children Sarjeet Kaur Singh (Jeet), Nirmal Singh Kajla (Roma), Malkeet Kaur Singh (Vijay), and Susan Kaur Golden (Michael). He is also survived by his brother Jagar Singh Kajla and sister Gyan Kaur Singh. He leaves ten grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. Sadly, he was predeceased by his parents, Channan and Sirtaji Singh Kajla, siblings Prem Singh Kajla, Prem Kaur, Jagir, and Jagendar Singh Kajla. He was also predeceased by his son Kewal Singh Kajla, and grandson, Michael Golden. Pritam Singh Kajla’s life was characterized by his kindness and generosity – if one needed financial help or a helping hand, he was first to give it. He was pleased that he was able to send all of his children to college, taking pride in his children’s successes. Mr. Singh was a supporter of the Stockton Gurdwara Sahib (the site of the first Sikh temple in the United States) and the Hughson Gurdwara Sahib. In addition, he attended and supported the thriving of numerous Gurdwaras throughout Northern California. He is remembered for his word and handshake being his bond; a contract to be honored. Mr. Singh spoke with pride for the day of Oct. 9, 1960, when he arrived in San Francisco on the British ship “S.S. Iberia” out of Suva. He joined his brothers Prem, Jagender, and Jagir in Yuba City, who were already working in agriculture. In 1963, Mr. Singh brought his family to America and later to Modesto. Family stories tell of how he stopped at a coffee shop on 9th street and met a man who offered him work doing landscaping. This led to him operating a successful landscaping business and later he branched out into buying and improving investment properties. Mr. Singh worked tirelessly, yet he always saved Sundays for family time, taking them on local trips. Later he enjoyed world travel and doing so with his family. Mr. Singh lived his life to the Sikh moral code. He had a great sense of humor and valued independent thinking with people finding their own path. He surpassed all of his dreams and felt that God had generously blessed him. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock, CA 95380. Following the funeral, a prayer service will be held at the Northern California Sikh Society, 6718 Hughson Ave., Hughson, CA 95326.

Tributes

Pritam Singh Kajla

June 6, 1933 - March 18, 2025