Narinder Malik

Narinder Pal Singh Malik, known to his family and friends as “Bha Ji” and “Nechi,” passed away on May 15, 2026, in Augusta, GA. A scientist, world-traveler, devoted husband, devout Sikh, and friend to all, he left behind a legacy of warmth, mentorship, and curiosity.

Born on February 4, 1947, in Pir Mahal Punjab, just before the partition of India, he was the son of Bibi Harbhajan Kaur and Sardar Dr. Sajjan Singh Malik. His father was a general practitioner in rural Punjab who rode his bicycle to remote areas to visit his patients. His mother was a primary school teacher, homemaker, mother, and activist for Indian independence from Britain.

The youngest of six children, Narinder had five older siblings — brother Charanjit (“Chilu”), sister Joginderpal (“Raj”), sister Sunder (“Guddi”), brother Amar Jit (“TT”), and brother Damanjit (“Lalu”). Lalu survives Narinder, while his other siblings have since passed away.

Growing up, he displayed boundless curiosity and an adventurous spirit. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Khalsa College in Amritsar, then a Master of Science in Botany from Udaipur University, followed by a master's degree in Environmental Science from the University of Liverpool. Following a path similar to his older brother TT, he migrated to the United Kingdom, then settled in the United States in 1969.

He began his professional career in India, working in agricultural research, followed by environmental research and compliance work with stops in the United Kingdom, California, Virginia, and Maryland, before he and his wife Amarjit settled in Augusta, GA, in 1990.

The majority of his career was spent at the Savannah River Site, a 310-square-mile nuclear facility that had produced nuclear weapons during the Cold War. In the post-Cold War era, Narinder focused on the remediation of nuclear material — environmental compliance work that was as meticulous as it was consequential. Over more than two decades, he earned the high regard of his colleagues, who valued not only his technical expertise but the generosity he brought to every working relationship. He retired in 2013, though he remained engaged in an advisory capacity for several years thereafter.

In perhaps the best and most important decision of his life, Narinder traveled to Jalandhar, Punjab Province, India, in November 1987, where he met his future wife, Amarjit Kaur, through an arranged meeting. He was respectful and measured throughout, limiting himself to a single question: What had she studied? He was, however, quietly confounded by her henna — darker than any he had seen before, and in a pattern he did not recognize. He wondered whether she had burned her hand, a mystery he solved only years later. They married on December 27, 1987. Described by Amarjit as the “backbone of my life,” he never said no to her.

Retirement did not slow Narinder down. He was an active participant in interfaith groups, engaged in his homeowner's association, and had a strong, committed presence at his gurdwara, where he served the sangat. He was a very active member of Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara of Augusta; members of the sangat remarked that he would personally greet newcomers, learn about them, and connect them with others who shared similar interests. He coordinated youth speeches, encouraged people to volunteer, and followed up with people to ensure they stayed on a productive path.

People who knew Narinder remarked on his ability to connect with anyone — a young person just starting out or someone decades older — and to meet them at their level. He gave advice honestly, without agenda, and thought seriously about the futures of the people around him. Those who crossed his path often found that even years later, they still felt his presence.

In addition to his time in gurdwara, Narinder loved reading, gardening, and taking cruises. His favorite foods were vanilla ice cream and chicken curry with rice, and when he dined out, he liked trying new things. His favorite movies were 3 Idiots, a Bollywood film about three rebellious engineering students, and Fried Green Tomatoes, an inspirational story about friendship. He had a deep interest in Sikh history, a fondness for cars, and a knack for explaining financial planning and insurance to anyone who needed guidance.

Narinder is survived by his beloved wife, Amarjit Kaur, and by all those whose lives he guided along the way. His funeral will take place at noon on May 23, 2026, at Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara of Augusta, GA, located at 4031 Evans to Lock Road, Evans, GA 30809.