Tarsem K Sharma

Tarsem Kumar Sharma was born on October 28, 1934, in Mombasa, Kenya, into a large and loving family as the eldest child of seven siblings—three brothers and three sisters. His grandparents had immigrated from India to Kenya for a chance at better opportunity, laying the foundation for a life defined by resilience, hard work, and opportunity.

He spent his early years in Kenya, where he built a deep connection to the land and its beauty. Some of his happiest memories were made walking along Diani Beach, visiting the lighthouse, and enjoying the rhythm of daily life surrounded by family.

It was in Kenya that he met the love of his life, Sudesh. He first noticed her from a distance at a wedding, wearing a pink dress, and instantly fell in love. They were married in 1960, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in devotion, mutual respect, and shared ambition. Together, they built not only a family, but a life rich in meaning and purpose.

In 1961, seeking greater opportunity, he moved to England. While he forever held strong memories of Kenya—where his eldest child, Anu, was born in 1961—he established himself in England, working for the Post Office. While working at the Post Office, he and Sudesh also opened an Indian restaurant, reflecting their shared entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic. He later took an early retirement from the Post Office, after which they founded Cromwell Cars. What began humbly in a garden shed with a single phone grew into a highly successful business. During this time, Sudesh also worked for British Airways.

Their family grew in England with the births of their daughters Anita in 1964 and Sonya in 1968. Family life was central to him, and he cherished road trips, close-knit gatherings, and the everyday moments that created lasting bonds.

In 1979, he immigrated to the United States, settling briefly in El Centro to reunite with his brother Raj. Together, they opened a restaurant called Curry and Kebab, which they operated for several years. He continued to travel back to England periodically to tend to business affairs before ultimately settling in San Diego in 1981.

In San Diego, he and his family opened an organic grocery store, reflecting his forward-thinking mindset. In 1994, alongside his daughter Anita, he co-founded San Diego Health Alliance. Shortly thereafter, he and Sudesh retired, having built a life marked by integrity, perseverance, and achievement across three continents.

He was a man of many passions: he loved music, travel, and cricket, and above all, his family. Known for his humor, wisdom, optimism, warm presence, and infectious smile, he maintained his independence well into his later years, living independently until the age of 90 and driving until he was 89.

The passing of his beloved wife Sudesh on October 14, 2017, was a profound loss. She was the love of his life, and he missed her deeply every day thereafter. Today, their family finds comfort in knowing they are reunited once more.

His greatest pride and joy were the generations that followed him, and he poured his love, wisdom, and quiet strength into each of them. He is survived by his three beloved daughters, Anu, Anita, and Sonya; his sons-in-law, Tariq, Michael, and Vinod, whom he welcomed as his own; and his six treasured grandsons, Nasheel, Naveen, Shaun, Nicholas, Neil, and Sanjay. He was also blessed to welcome Nasheel’s wife, Amanda, and Naveen’s wife, Heather, into the family. He is further survived by his three great-grandchildren, Aiden, Adam, and Ayla, who filled his later years with laughter and light. His life was one well lived, and his memory will continue to guide and inspire generations to come.