Dad died peacefully at home on December 22, 2021 spending his last few days surrounded by family. Born in Victoria at St. Joseph’s Hospital on September 25, 1936 to Sohan Singh and Beant Kaur Basi, Dad was one of 4 children.
Predeceased by his sister Bibi and sister-in-law Geri, he is survived by his wife Raghubans, children Ron (Gwen), Teri, Rob (Chris), and Kim; grandchildren Jenna (Stacey), Cameron, Ryan, and Graham. He will be greatly missed by family members and his many friends.
Dad grew up on Market Street spending the majority of his youth hanging out with his brothers (and best friends) Kirp and Jerry. At the age of 8, sitting on a block of wood with blocks on the pedals, Dad started to drive his father’s ’42 Dodge wood truck. He got caught occasionally, each time costing his father a bottle of rye when he was picked up from the police station. In his youth he developed lifelong meaningful friendships growing up with members of the East Indian community while working around the wood mills and lumber yards in Greater Victoria. Dad attended SJ Willis in grade 8 (for two years) where he learned that if you bought your teacher cigarettes they were obliged to share them with you. He learned how to smoke in the metal shop. At 14, his first job was as a stencil boy at Highway Sawmills. At 16 he worked at Plumper Bay where he drove a lift truck loading lumber on his father’s truck using a sling rather than forks; this was no small task. At the end of his second grade 8 year he started truck driving for Ideal Fuel hauling wood up and down the Island. However, it wasn’t until Dad turned 21 that he actually got his license. In the following years he was considered to be one of the best two-stick gear jammers around. He and Mom married on February 23, 1958 raising their kids in Victoria. He worked for Ideal Fuel until 1984 when the company, as Dad would say, went belly up. He then drove for Doman’s and Blue Star Transport until he retired in 2001.
Not one to mince words, Dad will be remembered as an upbeat, to the point, caring guy who’d give you the shirt off his back. With his blue collar upbringing he knew where he came from and how to command a room with his stories and humour.
He loved his grandchildren, niece, nephews, and had an incredibly soft spot for animals.
With consideration to the current Covid-19 situation, a private Funeral Service was held. A recording of the service can be found below.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Royal Jubilee Hospital: Heart Function Clinic, 1952 Bay Street, Victoria, BC V8R 1J8
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com.
66 Responses
I worked with Kim and our families became good friends. Kim was proud of her family and her dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all during this time.
Our sincere condolences to the Basi family, Gurdial will be sorely missed.
My dear Chachi, Ron, Rob, Dimple, Kim, Kirk and Jerry. I am sorry for your loss. We give you our heart felt condolences. Your dad, or Gurdy as I called him, was a mentor to me as well as his brothers. When I was eighteen years old I drove truck for Futura bldg. Supp, Ted Doman. I remember hauling out of B. C. Forest to our yard and in front of me in line was your dad, Jerry and Pudoo. Back then we used chains to tie down our loads not straps. I asked your dad how the hell as I going to throw a chain over 3 stacks of wood. He said put your chains on the top stack when being load, then you climb up dangle the chain over the side hook it the frame and through the balance over the other side. A memory I will never forget. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Randy and Wendy Sangha
To the Basi family, my deepest condolences. When I learned of Gurdial’s passing, many memories flashed through my mind. All brought a smile, remembering the glint, and the mischief, in his eyes. As my brother said, he was a beauty and will long be remembered.
We are so sorry to hear of Gurdial’s death. Although we have not seen him for many years, it is apparent that he was kind, hard working and loved life. Hugs to Kim, Ron, Jerry and Alex.
My deepest condolences to Kim and the Basi family. Gurdial was truly a force to be reckoned with. I loved the time spent visiting him over the years and swapping stories. He always had the best stories. He was also always convinced their dog Bailey should be in the police dog training camp or farm team and enjoyed showing off the latest new trick. He was truly larger than lfe itself and wherever he went you could recognize his laugh immediately if you heard it. Sometimes when working I’d stop into Tino’s for coffee and occasionally find him entertaining Rob and Steve with the latest stories. He was known and loved by everyone. Gurdial was a gentleman and friend and I was very fortunate indeed to know him. I’m very happy to have visited him at home just 2 weeks before his passing. He was as engaging and funny as ever. Full of life and joy and good ideas about how to fix everything. I’m glad that visit is now a treasured memory for me of a great man. He’s no doubt double clutching and two stick gear jamming through the heavens and letting the airhorn blare. Gurdial has arrived in style. He will be missed!!
Ross and Lorna
Gurdial was a legend in my younger days. I met Gurdial in the late 60’s & was in awe of him in the shiny yellow & black lumber truck. When OK Trucking had rented the property at David, Turner & Pleasant Streets at the Moore Whittington site, we would see Gurdial weekly. His smile was infectious with his dynamic personality. Rest In Peace.
Our deepest condolences, Garry & Lynn Rai
My deepest condolences to all the Basi family for the loss of Gurdial. He was always happy, friendly and respectful. I’ve known him since he used to live with his family on Market Street. It is sad to miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
Aunty, Ron, Teri, Rob and Kim
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts are with you all during this very difficult time. We cherish the memories and time spent together through the years. We will always remember Uncle for his larger than life personality, great sense of humor and warm heart.
Much Love, Shindo (aka Slim), Ranbeer and Meena
My heart-felt condolences to the warm and affectionate family.