Gurjeet (Jeet) Sivia passed away peacefully on May 11, 2021, at Ridge Meadows Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He is the son of the late Pritam Singh Sivia and the late Sham Kaur Sivia. He leaves behind his three children, Perveen (Vikram), Simrin, and Saajan, and his wife, Awneet, and a loving circle of family and friends.

Jeet had a huge heart and infectious personality, one where his smile radiated warmth all around, and his humour would leave everyone laughing for hours. He made those who knew him feel instantly welcome, whether it was their first or fiftieth time meeting him. He was a fiercely devoted husband and father and was his entire family’s number one cheerleader, always effusive in his praise and pride for their accomplishments. Jeet’s resiliency throughout his battle with cancer over the past six years inspired his friends, family, and community, but even more inspiring was his selfless dedication to his children’s dreams and aspirations.

Jeet accomplished a great deal academically, professionally, and personally in his 59 years. Notably, he earned three degrees: a BSc (Bio) from UBC, a BSc (HIS) from UVic, and a MSc (Public Health) from SFU. He dedicated his career of nearly 30 years to population health research with the Fraser Health Authority and continued to advocate for the improved health of Indigenous and South Asian communities through research, program development, and community outreach. In his spare time, Jeet was a dedicated soccer coach in Maple Ridge and coached his two youngest children’s teams for years. He was an avid golfer, a member of Maple Ridge Rotary, co-founder of the Indo-Can Links golf tournament in Kamloops, and he organized other recreational activities with family and friends in the spirit of bringing people together to spread positivity.

Jeet would wish to be remembered as the hero and true role model he was to so many. In his celebration of life event, a quote that was shared stood out as particularly poignant: “We might not be the ones to change the world. We might not belong to the few that put a ding in the universe. We might not be something the whole world would celebrate. But...In the little corners that we live; in the lives that we’ve played a part in, we should be nothing but unforgettable.” Jeet will be remembered and remain in our hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers, please direct any donations to the BC Cancer Agency for their brave work helping those fight cancer.