Jagjodh Singh Sawhney

Born in Kohat, Punjab, pre-partition India, to Vidiya Vati & Manmohan Singh Sawhney, Jagjodh Singh Sawhney was the third of six children. When he was 5 years old, his family moved to Kota, Rajasthan, where he grew up with his three brothers, Pardaman, Ajeet and Kuldeep, and two sisters, Daljit and Pinky (Amarjeet), along with a large, loving extended family. Family was his touchstone, his driving force throughout his life.

As a child, Jagjodh, affectionately known as Jaggi, was a fierce sportsman. He excelled in volleyball and badminton, and always pushed himself to be the best. As he grew into a young man, he did very well in school, and was a topper. This is when he made everlasting friendships which continued until this day. He was set to pursue engineering, however life had other plans for him. He joined the family pharmaceutical business at the age of 21, which started his journey as an entrepreneur and business owner.

On December 5, 1967 he married Gunwant Kaur Sawhney (nee Sahney), whom he had never met before, in Haldwani. After marriage, they continued to live with their loving, multigenerational family. As the eldest couple of their generation in the house, they embraced the responsibility and were loved and cherished by all.

After having three children, Gurpreet (Babloo), Gurmeet (Sonu) and Manmeet (Meeta), Jagjodh decided to move to Orange County, California in 1981. He worked hard and started with humble beginnings working in a factory, to help settle into a new country and plant roots for his family. A short while later, he and his wife started a business, Papa’s Famous Hot Dogs. His entrepreneurial spirit won them many accolades during their tenure. Their home was an open door, filled with love, laughter and a lot of family. Their home, no matter how big or small, was always known as “headquarters.”

His entrepreneurial drive drove him to a new opportunity in 1991 when the family purchased a new business, AAHS Gifts. Even though the business was located in Los Angeles, over an hour away, Jagjodh was steadfast on staying in Orange County, close to his brothers, sisters and the sangat that he had nurtured over the previous decade. He worked hard, but always prioritized his family- striving to be the best son, husband, brother, father, and uncle that he could be. This was never more accurate than when his wife was diagnosed with cancer in 1997. He left no stone unturned to ensure the best treatment possible.

His resilience came from his unwavering faith in Waheguru. He was fiercely independent. He wasn’t afraid to take risks, or rise to any challenge. He also was never afraid to show people he loved them. This was displayed so clearly when he became a father in law. His two daughters-in-laws, Parmeet and Minu, and son-in-law, Hardeep, brought him joy, and his relationships with them strengthened with every passing day. They were his children, and he was their dad.

Then, the new millennium brought forth new adventures for Jagjodh. He became a Dada ji and Nana ji to seven amazing grandchildren- Raj, Preeya, Bikrum, Sehej, Reeya, Amrit and Jaya- his little joys who would make his eyes light up.

No matter how busy or hectic life got, he and his wife of over 55 years, always made time for each other. Their morning chai was never missed, a sacred time for both of them. Their bond as husband and wife was truly unbreakable, one of “ek jyot doye murti” in its truest form.

In his last 20 years, Jagjodh was diagnosed with Parkinsons, but his willpower, belief in Waheguru, and mental strength allowed him to live a fuller life than anyone could have imagined. He researched and implemented anything he could to improve his prognosis, including what exercises would be best for his condition. He did those religiously, played ping pong, ate the proper diet, and stayed active every day.

The story of his life is written with true strength, principles, kindness, hard work, constant learning, and a lot of love. Throughout the journey of life, his principles were very clear. He believed that there was a proper way to do things, and that is how they should be done. His life is a true representation of his name, Jagjodh, meaning a victor of the world. He will be deeply missed, and his legacy will live on in all those who love him.

A funeral service for Jagjodh will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Pacific View Mortuary & Memorial Park, 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona Del Mar, California 92625.