Wow. It has been three years .  We all miss Suhi at our meditation chapel.  I have happy memories of rooming with him at our annual Convocation in Los Angeles and driving up together to the Bethlehem Retreat Centre on Westwood Lake in Nanaimo.  He was a keen runner then and ripped around the lake while the rest of us were relaxing in our rooms.   He was very committed to his spiritual life, and I know he’s in good hands now.  God’s blessings on you always, my friend.  - Dave Fern

JANUARY 11, 2025

It is difficult to believe that it is 3 years ago, that my  good friend  Sukhi passed away.    He is the one that introduced me to game of pickle ball, a game I really grew to love  He was all ways ready to play when never we could. There were many times we practiced  pickle ball at McMinn Park until we both collapse with exhaustion.
I still  really miss him. I think about him whenever I currently play pickle ball which I play about 3 times a week. 

Terry Gorsuch

I will always remember Sukiyaki for his rapier sharp wit and his ability to respond so quickly in the improv sessions we shared.

Thinking of all you guys and our hearts and prayers are with the Rai family
Love Paul Lalli and family

I got to meet Sukhi through the Tightrope Parkinsons Performance Troupe, where I was a coach for a few sessions. I will be never forget Sukhi! He made me laugh so much, and was such a talented improvisor. I will miss him dearly. Love to all his family and loved ones. Lucky I got to cross paths with him for a time.

My fondest memories of Sukhi was playing  street hockey and and always yelling “car” on Birch Ave. Another favourite pastime was during the Spring when the ice  would start melting, we would be making paper boats at the Rai home or at ours right across the street and floating them down the gutters! My thoughts and prayers are with Harbax, Paul and extended families.

Dearest Tammy. My heartfelt condolences. Sukhi was a sweet, kind, and joyful soul. He was a wonderfully dedicated and faithful devotee of Master. And you two were a lovely and loving couple. It was always a treat to see your smiling face at chapel. As I always said to Sukhi (and he agreed): "I'm talking to your better half!" May peace be with you, Tammy. And with the rest of Sukhi's family. Love to you, Elvina 

Sukhi I knew you as a very amazing person who was always ready to go out of your way to help me and my family in dealing with the banking issues.

You had spared your precious time with us with all of your love and attention that we could not ask from anyone in an official position at your work.  You are a real hero for my son Vinay.  

We hope to have our paths cross one day in the divine space that you have taken off to.  Best wishes my friend Sukhi  

Sukhi, I will miss you. Our friendship was so strong growing up in Sherwood Park that despite not keeping in touch with one another for stretches of time that were way way too long, when we did speak  it felt like we had never been apart.  You set a great example for all of us on how to carry ourselves through good times and bad, and had such a respectful peaceful manner. I am blessed to have been your friend, and very sad that I had not been a closer friend with you after our lives carried us in different directions. My visions of keeping in closer contact after I retired and returned to Canada will not be realized. Unfortunately, opportunities missed cannot be recovered. I wish that things had been different my friend. Our last conversation after Canada beat Mexico in Edmonton was so much fun - I would love to talk one more time. Rest peacefully.

Mrs. Rai, I wish I could give you a big hug. I am so sorry for what you must be going through. Your son was a gem. Paul, I will never forget your composure when you spoke at your father's funeral so many years ago, and now you have lost your big brother. My condolances. Akshay and Tammy, we never met, which is my loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolances and best wishes. I wish that I could have been there in person to say hello to you, and goodbye to Sukhi.

I had the distinct pleasure of first meeting Sukhi when the Parkinson Wellness Project was in it's infancy as ParkinGo and classes were held at St. Nicks church. I was fortunate enough to be the first teacher to this incredible group of resilient, warm and beautiful humans. I loved having Sukhi in my class. He was kind, hardworking, funny and immensely supportive....no matter what I threw at him. He always strived to be better and work harder and was extremely appreciative and grateful. He volunteered for Superwalk every year and always showed up with a smile on his face. My heart hurts in knowing he is gone, he was a true light on this earth, however, I know that he is going to continue to shine his beautiful light wherever he is. My family was so lucky to know you Sukhi, and we'll miss you. 

Sincerest condolences to the family.   I have many fond memories of the dinners at Chachiji's house.  Sukhi was such a kind soul and always greeted everyone with warmth and kindness. 

Tammy and family,

I was one of Sukhi's Parkie improv buddies.  Sukhi was a remarkable man and had a quick and incisive wit.  He came out with more than his share of zingers and was a joy to play at improv with.  His love for you shone through brightly and transparently in everything he did.  A lasting legacy to hold on to at this time of loss.

Sincerely,
Peter Jarvis

To our warm and funny friend Sukhi - who delighted us with his gentle spirit and quick wit, you will be missed. 
Love your friends at Tightrope Theatre and the PD Performance Troupe. Your memory will live on. 

Dan Dumsha - Director of Improv for Work and Wellness

Dearest Tammy,

Jim and I have very fond memories of Suki.  He was an exceptional and very courageous person with a beautiful smile.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and his Mom and family.

Love and Blessings,
Gwen and Jim Cutt

Suki and I never met face to face however we were both members of the Improv for People with Parkinson's Troupe that met weekly via Zoom.  Suki had infectious and effervescent personality coupled with an incredible spontaneity that flowed so incredibly well with the basics of Improv, essentially be ready to respond to anything and everything you weren't thinking of.  His mind was always active with his eyes letting slip that the had a zinger lined up to let loose on the Troupe.  I don't know how many Improv Hat Tricks Suki scored during our brief encounters but I am certain he enjoyed many throughout his life.  I feel confident in saying for all of the Troupe that we each have a special memory of Suki and will always have at least one special recollection of him in our minds.  I think Suki's attitude to life was akin to 'When life give you lemons, he didn't make lemonade, he fabricated Lemon Meringue Pie' for all to enjoy.  Those of us living with the manageable decline of Parkinson's understand and applaud Suki's tenacity of  savouring the moment.

Happy Trails To You 
Until We Meet Again

Suhki was one of the most calmest, kindest and most patient individuals I had ever known. I have great memories of our family visits to Victoria and spending time with Suhki. He always made time for loved ones. Our hearts and prayers are with his entire family. You will truely be missed
Love Paul Lalli
Squamish, BC

Great memories of our Improv journey.  I will never forget the 'Red Folder' episode.  You will be sorely missed
Stephen Gardner


I will dearly miss my buddy, my friend and my brother from another mother as we always used to tell each other. Friends for over 50 years and room mates when we both lived in Calgary. Every chance I could get to Victoria was always eventful and memorable. On my recent trip to the Island in September to celebrate his birthday, we visited Cowichan Bay. I suggested we try something different like Kayaking. To my surprise he was all for it even though neither of us knew a thing about it. The instructor got us into a double kayak and gave us all the instructions on how stay up. Sukhi was all in,  as we started out he was slowly discovering his rhythm, flow, focus and concentration paddling in the bay. We made it back to the dock safely after a grueling 90 minutes for a couple of beginners. What a great experience and memory to hang out with my good buddy that day. Then follow up with fish, chips and a beer on the pier just talking, laughing and enjoying the spectacular views. It's on this trip Sukhi introduced me to pickleball and all his amazing friends. I don't think I won a single game of pickleball in four days.  We hiked on a few of his favorite trails (regular tourists wouldn't find them), toured through downtown (an amazing tour guide), visited the Malahat Skywalk (just spectacular) and watched lots of sports in the evening after a long day out (and a great host). We were discussing more adventures in future visits. Now my buddy is on a new journey. I will not forget our friendship, Sukhi's  impeccable memory for details in sports and the genuine kindness he always showed for my family.  I know he touched a lot of people the exact same way. That's just what soulful people do. As it is said in Australia, "Vale to my great friend! I will miss you." Randy Massie 

Sukhi has always been a person who I admire - for his kindness, his genuine spirit and his commitment to family.  Recently he made an extra effort to see me - he made me feel so special- even gave me a gift❤️  It makes me so very proud to hear my son say he wants to be like his uncle.   I think we all want to have some of those special Sukhi qualities.   Always in my heart….Never forgotten❤️

My memories of Sukhi are from years ago as a young girl whose family lived across the street from the Rai family in Sherwood Park. Sukhi was a kind young man who we all looked up to. The whole Rai family has left its mark on those of us who lived on Birch Avenue and we grieve with you all. Much love. 

We are so sorry and saddened by Sukhi’s passing. So many Sherwood Park memories….
Akshay—as I’ve watched you grow up, I see the best qualities of your dad and his dad in you—your kindness, gentle spirit, curiosity, humour and compassion are the qualities I remember most about your grandpa and your dad. My deepest condolences to you, Aunty and Paul.
Harpreet 

I met Suhki at a Parkinsons support meeting where I had expressed the fear I was feeling about moving away from Victoria to the small rural town of Oliver.  Suhki connected with me by telephone after the meeting and helped me to turn my fears into hope. I am forever grateful for having met Suhki - whenever my fears start to flood my thoughts I remember his kind and inspiring words, and again I am uplifted to a more positive image of my future filled with hope. 

My condolences to his family and I am hopeful that these stories provide you with some comfort. 

Deborah Lang

Tammy, my friend, so sad to hear the news.
I knew you before Sukhi came into your life and then met Sukhi through ballroom dancing.
My fondest memory, in your home, is of a group of us doing a murder mystery night. So much fun with us all dressed up to be characters in the story.
Sukhi will be sadly missed. Take care of yourself.
Maxine.

I met Suki because of Parkinson’s Disease. He was on the original board of Parkinson Wellness Projects (PWP) and it is because of people like Suki that we have this wonderful facility in Victoria.  Suki attended many classes at the centre, from yoga to boxing, and could be found in the front row, of each class, so he could do the exercises correctly. We will miss his kindness, his smile and his sense of humour.

For many years we had lovely socials at our meditation chapel.  Here is Sukhi visiting with Erika after one of our services.  It was a wonderful time of connecting and really getting to know each other as spiritual friends.  Jill

Another wonderful retreat at the Bethlehem Centre near Nanaimo.  Back in the day Sukhi used to jog around the lake there between services.   I remember driving up there with him from Victoria and having a great conversation.  We must have solved most of the world’s problems in those two hours.  

Sukhi and Tammy came to Ingrid’s 95th drive by birthday celebration.  A lot of us from the Victoria meditation group all met near Ingrid’s house at the grocery store parking lot.  We had a wonderful visit with Sukhi and Tammy and then we all drove to Ingrids house honking the horns and waving out the car windows wishing Ingrid a happy birthday.  Then we all got out of our cars and visited some more with each other.  Very precious memories for all who were there.  Jill and David

Jill and David went cycling with Sukhi and Tammy two years ago in the spring, 2020.  We went for long 30 km ride on the Lock Side Trail all the way from their house to Mitchell’s Farm and back again.  We totally enjoyed visiting and chatting along the way.  It is a cherished memory of ours.  See the photo below.  Lots of love to Sukhi’s family and Tammy,  Jill and David

Erika  fondly remembers talking with Sukhi at the bus stop and she always appreciated what an excellent listener he was and he had such a beautiful smile coming through his eyes.


My Condolences to Tammy & Family! It is  a privilege & honour to have called Suhki,a true loving friend over the last few years! His warm smiles & loving kindness will always be remembered by all who knew him.  He would brighten up anyone’s  life anytime by his presence! We shared many wonderful times golfing, pickle ball ,walking , biking , talking over tea with Tammy’s pumpkin spice muffins ! We shall see one another some day…
Thank You Suhki, My Friend!
Love , Andy

Sukhi was a loyal and open and inspiring friend.    I know he was a good husband and son and father and stepfather.     He was a good man and I miss him.       Bless you Buddy.     Peace and Love.     Michael Tucker

I’m am deeply touched by what Sukhi wrote about his life. He is a very special soul and he was an amazing human being.  He had such a playful nature and I never heard him speak about his suffering.  
I enjoyed many wonderful dinners and fun times at his home here in Victoria. 
I wish for him a peaceful transition as he journeys on. 
My dear Tammy and all the family, I offer you my deepest condolences. May all your wonderful memories bring you comfort, as you travail the passage of grief and loss. 
With Love, Selina 


I was so honored having a friend like Sukhi.  Sukhi was truly a real gentleman in all sense of the word.  I was so fortunate in spending so many hours with  him from attending PWP exercises, walking, driving and playing Pickle Ball together..  I am missing him a lot but he  provided me with great memories  of good times we had together.



Suhki was an inspiration to me in the early days of my Parkinson journey. I sometimes drove Suhki to PWP gym classes and Suhki would reveal some gem of wisdom that he learned over his long journey with Parkinson's. I was amazed at how long he worked in his banking job after diagnosis and then he lent his skills to the PWP board. A few bike rides with Suhki were also an opportunity to practice our road skills. Suhki, you are an inspiration to us all! 

To the Rai Family.  

My deepest condolences to you on the passing of Sukhi.  

May you find comfort in all the fond memories you shared. 

Sincerely,

Kul Riar

We are heartbroken to hear of Suki’s passing. The world lost a beautiful bright light. Harry says that he was the real deal and such a genuine  person. 

I will always remember our first meeting about helping with the cleaning. His love and concern for his wife Tammy was so lovely.  I couldn’t wait to meet her too. We were so lucky to have shared meals and visits with them. 

I will miss the talks with Suki that I would have when I came over to clean. He always remembered what was going on in my life and asked how things were going. 

We will miss him a lot.   Sending love, light and hugs to the family. Also to Yogi who will miss him too. ❤️  We love you Tammy.  See you soon.   Love and hugs Janice and Harry Baker

Suki loved life with a ferocious passion; you could see it every time he performed an exercise.  His will to be present, to be joyful and to be attentive to others was pure and strong.  The family to whom he belonged will  miss him deeply.  May our memories of him be like the cold wind on our face that wakes us up and reminds us to live our life with appetite and style.

Ride 'em Suki

Colin Campbell

To my high school friend Tammi.  I am so sorry to hear of your loss. 

Jasbir (Johal). Rai

I remember meeting Suki at the bank and he was so sweet and helpful every time.  My partner and I are sad to hear of his passing.  God bless the family and friends .

My family had the wonderful opportunity to be neighbors of the Rai family in Sherwood Park. 
Many street hockey games were played as well as many memories made. I’m pretty sure Sukhi was sporting a baby blue suit at our high school graduation. 

My condolences to Harbax, Paul and all of Sukhi’s family.

Kathy Berg

Many Saturday Nights watching and playing hockey downstairs at in the Rai's home.  Suki, Paul and my sibling would spend lots of time together while our parent visited upstairs.  Suki love of sports and kindness made it easy to hang out for the evening.  Good times and great memories.   Rest in peace Suki.  

To the rest of the Rai family,  I send you my sincere condolences in the difficult time.

With lots of love,
Ravi, Vivek, Sonia, and Roshni

The world has truly lost a beautiful and kind soul. We had the fortune to meet couple times in India and Canada and become good friends as well. The warmth, enthusiasm, and love with which Sukhi showed us around Victoria is treasured by all of us. We have the fondest memories of the great Victoria Walk, the mulled wine in the cold, and the wonderful fire at home with great coffee. We extend our warmest regards and prayers to dear Tammy and Akshay, our very loved mamiji, and the entire family. We are all very sad and pray for Sukhi's peaceful onward journey. 

Warm Regards And Love,
Sandhus - Ravi, Sonia, Roshni, Vivek

I never knew this man. I only knew his brother Paul. I was awe struck by the words he wrote and can only imagine the amazing life he lived. My condolences to all his loved ones.

My favourite memory of Sukhi was his marriage with Tammy. I think it was one of the first weddings I’ve ever been to. We were going to Victoria to celebrate Christmas with my dads side of the family when I was treated to a pleasant surprise upon arrival: Sukhi was getting married! Even my dad, brother of Sukhi, failed to tell me about his union with Tammy. To this day, I have never been a part of something as beautiful as that wedding. Our whole family, all together as one; the most pure memory I have of my family to date. Sukhi brought happiness everywhere he went. He was who I aspire to be. I have not one single bad memory of Sukhi, and his gleeful character will forever be a reminder of who we strive to be when we are lost. 

OBITUARY

Sukhvinder Singh Rai

September 6, 1960 – January 11, 2022

First Memorial Funeral Services & Garden of Memories

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