Obituary of Dalel Singh Thiara

March 20, 1936 – Punjab, India

June 15, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dalel Singh Thiara, beloved husband of Rajinder Thiara (nee Dhami), of Calgary, AB. Dalel passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at the age of 88 years, with his family by his side.

Dalel was a devoted family man and revered Mathematics professor in India prior to coming to Canada in 1958 to earn his Chemical Engineering degree at McGill University. Dalel married Rajinder in 1964, and together they embarked on building a life for themselves and their children in Eastern Canada.

In 1983, the family moved to Calgary where the children continued their studies and built their own families with the unconditional support of their parents. Dalel was extraordinarily proud of all his children’s accomplishments.

Dalel was a pillar of the community leaving behind a lasting legacy of love, friendship, and service.

As a baptized Sikh, he was devoted to upholding the values of his religion.  He served as President of the Sikh Society of Calgary for many years and was instrumental in implementing many impactful changes for the growth and benefit of the community. Dalel loved spending time with family and friends, serving others, and watching hockey games, and Hindi films.

Dalel will be forever remembered by his daughter Nishi (Paul); his sons Dave (Sonia), and Raj (Amy).  He was a beloved grandfather to Deyson, Zoré, Saryn, Saryssa, and Arjen. 

He was a devoted brother to Charan Singh Thiara (Sarwan Kaur), Harbans Kaur Gill (Jaswant Singh), Charnjit Kaur Thandi (Gurmail Singh), Gurmit Kaur Dulay (Rajinder Singh), and his brother and best friend Sadhu Singh Nijjar (Amarjit Kaur).  He was a dearly loved uncle to all his nieces and nephews. Dalel will also be fondly remembered by his extended family and friends.

Dalel was predeceased by his parents Lachman Singh and Pritam Kaur, as well as his sisters, Mihander Kaur, and Reshma Kaur Dhugga (Sadhu Singh).

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who provided care and support to him in recent years.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Calgary Crematorium, 3219 – 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB, within the valley of Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. This will be followed by a langar (luncheon) at the Gurudwara Guru Nanak Sikh Centre (739 81 ST SW, Calgary, AB).

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Thiara’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Dalel’s family here.

In living memory of Dalel Thiara, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Calgary Crematorium, 3219 – 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 3A6, Telephone: 403-299-0111.

Click Here to Watch the Funeral Service for the late Dalel Thiara