Dr. Shabeg Singh Sandhu, born December 4, 1937, passed suddenly and too soon on August 2nd 2014. He was born in Lahore and lost both his parents by the time he was eight years old. Despite struggling as an orphan, he obtained his undergraduate and masters degrees with honors from Punjab University. He was also a well known scholar in Sikhi writings. In the early 1960s, he met with then Prime Minister Nehru along with the Sikh leader at the time to discuss Sikh interests in Punjab.
He obtained his PhD in genetics in 23 months from Purdue University and led a distinguished career as a professor and researcher. He traveled around the world representing the United States Environmental Protection Agency as well as the United Nations as a speaker and distinguished Delegate of
International task forces. Later in his career he became a successful developer.
His greatest joy and gifts were his unwavering humility, compassion, wit, and devotion to helping others. His unique ability to find common ground regardless of cultural, racial, and socioeconomic differences was unparalleled. A devoted Rotarian and gardener, he leaves his life partner and wife Surinder, three children, Dr. Aman Sandhu, Navi Sandhu J.D., Dr. Ripple Shabeg Singh Sandhu, two granddaughters, Noor Shabeg Singh Sandhu and Ria Sandhu, his beloved extended family and his friends. He will be missed and is loved very much. His integrity, compassion and selfless giving will live on forever.
A memorial service will be held on August 9th at 3 pm at the Sikh Gurdwara of North Carolina on Banner Street in Durham, NC.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Research Triangle Rotary Club’s polio eradication efforts.
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