S. Joginder Singh Rekhi

Sardar Joginder Singh Rekhi passed away in peace at the age of 82. Loving husband of 52 years. Dedicated father of three. Playful grandfather to 8. Further survived by his two brothers, two sisters as well as his nieces and nephews.

S. Joginder Singh Rekhi was a pillar in the Sikh Community. He was born in Rawalpindi and immigrated to Jalander, Punjabi after partition. He received his engineering degree from Punjab Engineering College in Chandigarh. In 1966, he immigrated to the United States, landing in Seattle, Washington. He received his Master’s Degree from the University of Washington. He spent most of his career working for the City of Seattle Water Department followed by the City of Seattle Parks Department until he retired at age 61.

He worked as an engineer by day and was a real estate entrepreneur by night. He left his mark on this city by designing many bridges, parks, community centers, as well as buildings. He designed the building located at the corner of Lake City Way NE and NE 125th Street and named it the Rekhi Building.

He was one of the first few Sikhs to immigrate to Seattle. He helped establish the first Gurudwara in the Seattle area - Gurudwara Singh Sabha of WA, Renton. Finally he played a pivotal role in establishing the Khalsa Gurmat Center in Federal Way. He was committed to creating strong Sikh institutions in the Seattle area.

He lived a full and active life. He loved to have fun and learn. He was always pushing his limits and exploring the world. He was a skier, boater, pilot (studying for and receiving his pilot license at the age of 75), and a world traveler. He enrolled in Spanish classes and Java Coding classes in his 70s and enjoyed keeping an active body and mind.

Most important to him was his family. He was a present and supportive father, husband, brother, uncle and grandfather. He cherished the annual family vacations with his grandchildren and loved creating memories with them. He will always be remembered by his family and friends as someone they could count on for guidance, encouragement and support. He will be dearly missed by his family and his friends.