Boota Singh

Boota Singh Lali was born in the village of Nazamdipur, Punjab, India. He cherished his mother, Pritam Kaur, who raised her son alone after his father, Rala Singh, died when he was just six months old. Throughout his life he enjoyed studying world religions, literature, and philosophy. Boota Singh was fond of saying that he saw more change in his lifetime than had been seen by previous generations over a thousand years.

In 1961, he embarked on the journey of his life and accepted a teaching position in Coleman, Alberta. He discovered his love for the natural beauty of southern Alberta and the tranquility of rural small town life. Boota Singh would go on to teach in Manyberries and Stettler before moving to Edmonton in 1970 with his family. Life became very busy, full of wonderful friends and extended family. He retired from teaching after finding success in real estate ventures and stock market investing.

Losing his beloved wife Chint Kaur in 2009 was a harsh blow to the content, happy life they were living as senior citizens. Finding resilience to pick himself up involved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren who lit up his life. Friends were always there to give support at this stage of his life.

In his final years, Boota Singh lived with his youngest son, Kem, and wintered in Phoenix with his daughter Surinder. He dined regularly with his two sons, Harjinder and Mohinder, counting on his daughter, Kanti, to take him to their homes.

He worked hard to establish a grass-roots charity, Nazamdipur Community Development Foundation, involving his friends in the effort. The foundation established the modern Indo-Canadian school in Nazamdipur, which enrolls up to 700 students from kindergarten to grade 12. After selling some of his investments Boota Singh expanded the charity to donate regularly to local Canadian causes, including supporting the Royal Alex and University of Alberta hospitals.

Boota Singh is survived by his loving children: Harjinder (Manjit), Surinder (Tarsem), Mohinder (Kanwal), Kanti, and Kem (Pam), 8 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren, plus many dear friends and extended family.