Leader of Sikh community
in Yorkshire dies aged 70

Surinder Singh Saimbhi, who was known by friends and family as Shinde, died after a short illness at Queens Hospital in Burton on Trent on July 15, surrounded by his family.

Mr Saimbhi played a leading role in the development and construction of the Ramgharia Sikh Sports and Community Centre on Chapeltown Road, Chapeltown, Leeds.

The centre, which became a focal point for the city’s sikh community, had a royal opening in 1987 attended by the Prince of Wales.

Born in Eldoret, Kenya, East Africa, where he grew up and studied, Mr Saimbhi’s first job was with the East African Railways.

After leaving the railway firm, he spent some time working at The Tea Hotel in Kericho and then at Jones & Jones Solicitors in Nakuru.

It was while working in Nakuru that Mr Saimbhi met and later then married his wife, Mohinder.

It was 1959 when Mr Saimbhi tied-the-knot with his wife.

But the couple then later made the decision to leave Africa and Mr Saimbhi brought his family to England in 1974, finally settling in Leeds.

He continued his work in accounts with Dunlop and Ranken and then with Bass Breweries.

He was later transferred to the solicitors’ head office in Burton on Trent, commuting from his west Yorkshire home.

When in Leeds, he contributed a vast amount of time to Sewa voluntary work for the Sikh community.

And in 1997, as a result of his extensive community work, was invited to speak at the International Ramgharia Sikh Convention in Delhi.

He joined the Ramgharia Board in Leeds then became the general secretary and president, before later serving as a trustee of the Gurudwara.

In 1987, he met the Duke of Gloucester at the Royal opening of Ramgharia Sikh Sports and Community Centre.

And just a year later, in 1988, he was finally personally introduced to the Prince of Wales.

The Prince commended him for his selfless contribution in the construction of the first sports complex to be built in the city by an ethnic minority organisation.

He was also introduced to the Queen as well as meeting the then President of Kenya, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.

Ravinder Kaur, his daughter said: “Our father was always our best friend and guide and for his wife, he was the most loving and caring husband.

“He taught us to achieve success in life through hard and sincere work.

“And for all his great achievements, he always remained a humble and modest man.”

Mr Saimbhi leaves behind his wife, three sons – Taljinder, Jaswinder and Parminder – and daughter Ravinder.