It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Karnel Singh Jawl, who died peacefully and surrounded by family in Victoria on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the age of 92.
Predeceased by his parents Bisa and Tage, brothers Ajit and Sohney and sisters Puge and Jeto, Karnel will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his devoted wife Mindy; children Debra (Rod) and Michael (Kathy); grandchildren Elizabeth (Justin), Christopher, David (Courtney), Jennifer (Girish) and Peter (Chelsey); and ten (soon to be eleven) great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Bob (Devi) and Mohney (Kathy), numerous nieces and nephews and a broad and loving extended family.
Karnel’s story was a remarkable one. Born in Victoria in 1933 to immigrant parents, he shouldered the burden of trying circumstances from an early age. After completing Grade 6 at Tolmie School, Karnel began to work full-time delivering firewood to support his family. With a resolve foreign to most 12-year-olds, Karnel grew this business and laid the groundwork for what would eventually become Home Lumber & Building Supplies, which he founded in 1960 in partnership with his brother Sohney. Karnel’s tireless hard work and tenacity propelled Home Lumber to success and enabled expansion into other business areas, including real estate development with his brothers Bob and Mohney. As the many daily visitors to his office could attest, Karnel took immense pride in his work. He remained a fixture in the office every day (and most weekends) until age 89, when Home Lumber was sold. Karnel’s integrity, humility and respect for others were hallmarks of his career and made him a valued member of the Victoria business community.
Karnel had a true zeal for life. He cherished his relationships with close friends, who frequently featured in his stories about past travels, dinner parties and days spent at the racetrack or on the golf course.
In a life marked by achievements, Karnel’s proudest by far was his family. His love for his wife Mindy was the backbone of a 72-year marriage filled with countless adventures, much laughter and many joyful memories. He was never happier than when he was surrounded by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren during a Sunday dinner at his house or on a family vacation. With generosity and determination, he empowered his family to succeed, relished proudly in their accomplishments and opened doors for generations to come. He was a one-of-a-kind trailblazer that moved his family and his community forward.
The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to Karnel’s tremendous care team, including Dr. Ted Bachynsky, Dr. Manjeet Mann, Hazel Sarte, Ingrid Duke and the team at Royal Jubilee Hospital, whose compassionate care in recent weeks was a comfort to Karnel and his family.
A Funeral Service will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, on Thursday, March 5th at 11:00am, with prayers and a light meal in the Langar Hall to follow at the Sikh Temple, 1210 Topaz Avenue, Victoria. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation in Karnel’s honour.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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49 Responses
Dear Mindy and the entire Jawl Family
We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Karnel. Please accept our most heartfelt condolences during this profoundly difficult time.
Our thoughts are with you and your entire family as you navigate this loss. We hope you may find strength in the love that surrounds you and comfort in the many memories you shared together.
With our deepest sympathy and respect,
Robert and Claudia Remy and the whole Black Goat Cashmere Team.
To the Jawl family ! Karnel will be missed by so many people whose lives he touched! The hardest working kindest man I have ever met! Dedicated to his family and friends! He wanted the best for everyone and helped so many people in our community! His positive outlook on life was a joy to be around !
Thank you For being in my life !!
I am so grateful to have known Karnel as a friend. He was an amazing, kind, and generous man who radiated charm, class and love. You could call him at Home Lumber anytime of the day and he would almost always answer.That personified who he was, steady, solid and always striving. He started with nothing and finished with everything! He loved his family, friends and his life. Knowing him was a priviledge, honour and something I will always cherish. He really was that special person, not one in a million, but one in a billion.
My deepest condolences to his beautiful family, all the Jawls and his 2nd family the Johnstons. — Karnel was truly one of a kind!
My dear Mindy, Debra, Michael, Bobby, Mohney, Our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Karnel. Such a kind beautiful loving and giving soul whose presence radiated on this earth. What a legacy he left!
I cherish the memories of the wonderful times spent with your lovely family during those early years. Thank you so much, Mindy.
Karnel will be so missed.
Blessings, sympathy and forever love to you all.
Sindy, Amir, Vicki/Rick, Neil. Grandchildren-Eva, Reed and Neena.
I feel very fortunate to have cared for Karnel in his home after his back surgery. His tenacity to get back to work and family was his driving force. He cared more about his wife than he did about himself. I loved his story of how he built his empire and hope this is in writing some in his home. What a gracious and caring person. Life well lived! May my condolences go out to all his family especially Mindy. RIP
Our hearts go out to the entire Jawl Family, but especially to Mindy, Michael and Debbie and families! we will always remember Karnel for his gentleness, kindness and love of all things family! Our Love and condolences, Dr Michael and Denise Vaughan and Family
Karnel was a special person. He was kind, generous & lived his life to the fullest. When I became Chief at VicPD, he would always give me good advice, share his wisdom & talk sports. I knew he cared deeply about my leadership and all officers serving their communities. Every year he made a very generous donation to the Special Olympics BC Polar Plunge for which I’m grateful. I will miss him dearly as will anyone who knew him.
Sending heartfelt condolences to his family & loved ones.
What an inspiring and wonderful legacy Karnel has left with his family. You are all so fortunate to have had this man in your life.
Condolences to all. Doreen Ross.
On behalf of all of us at Campbell Construction Ltd , we are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Karnel.
Karnel and the Jawl family shared not only a business relationship with us all, but also a friendship for well over 60 years.
Karnel since his recent retirement, has been truly missed.
I miss my market and economic updates and just good conversations. Karnel always had his hand on the pulse in the construction industry, and provided information as a friend which helped immensely to assess market conditions, along with who not to do business with. To say the least a very smart businessman with a heart of gold.
Rest in peace Karnel
Wayne, Ken , Archie
To the entire Jawl Family. I loved Karnel, he was a great man and friend. He did so many great things for our community, he’s admired and loved by many. I will never forget Karnel and the times we spent together. I’m so sorry for your loss. God Bless, Russ Courtnall and Family