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, Deborah, Michael, Leslie, Janice and Mohney..all the family I remember so well from 48th Avenue in Vancouver, plus the rest of the grieving family I don’t know as well, my very deepest condolences on the loss of Karnel. My heart also reaches out to you for the loss of Jeto and Puge. I did not know God had called them home and I am so saddened, How I remember the incredible smells in Jeto’s kitchen and trying to learn to make naan. I could have come across any of you there. What a beautiful, huge and loving family. I know Karnel’s smile will continue to be felt in your hearts. May you feel held by Love and Light during your long journey of healing,
With Love,
Ruth Hickling
As a consequence of his remarkable accomplishments, executed with grace, dignity and humility, Karnel became the unspoken leader representing the cultural and historical transformations of the Punjabi people of Western Canada and leaving for us, and succeeding generations, the best and most honourable standards to emulate. For this we are grateful.
Sheila and David Aujla
Dear Mohney,
My most sincere condolences on the passing of your brother, Karnel. As you will recall I was a supplier of lumber products to Home Lumber during the late 60’s and early 70’s during my employment with B.C. Forest Products and Ralph S. Plant Ltd. Karnel was a tough but fair negotiator. Everytime I consumated a deal with Karnel I always wondered how much money I had left on the table. He was a good man and a giant in the building products industry on Vancouver Island. He left a massive footprint.
May he rest in peace.
My heartfelt condolences to the family.
He was always gracious and kind, and his gentle nature will be remembered. May his memory be a blessing.
Dear Mohney, Bob and the entire Jawl family,
So sorry to learn of Karnel’s passing. He was certainly a pillar of the construction community and beyond. In years past there were instances when I counted on the advice and, when necessary, the assistance from the Jawl family, and to this day hold you all in the highest regard.
Dear Mindy, Debra, Michael & family: I met Karnal at the early age of 18 while driving for Futura Transport. I remember the kindness, encouragement and respect that he extended to me as a nervous young driver. I recall his frequent presence at the Red Lion coffee shop enjoying time served by Assie Bains. He was a man of integrity and honesty. His generous contributions to the community will never be forgotten. Heart felt sympathy and our condolences.
Karnel made a difference in many lives. Please accept our sincere condolences to the Jawl family. May he Rest In Peace.
Kernel was a gracious, kind, generous man always welcoming , approachable , down to earth, with a sense of humour.
He was a hardworking, practical dedicated businessman, who achieved outstanding success.
Kernel was a pioneer not only for his family, but a role model for the community , and his help and wise counsel helped many others to a successful life.
He will be always be lovingly remembered and missed .
To be loved, remembered and respected is the greatest legacy any person can wish for and in his case throughly deserved.
We shall all miss him dearly!
Peter and Michael Johal and family.
Mindy& Family Condolences to you and family.Karnel was the most honest and man with a big heart although he tried not to show it. I knew him from when he started up with Home Lumber on Esquimalt Rd. across from the round house.Spent many years hauling out of the yard to job sites.Then in 1999 I went to work for Home Lumber and I can say that Karnel without a doubt was the best boss I ever had.He cared about every worker he had and he will be missed by all.
Dearest Mindy and the extended Jawl Family, the many accolades about Karnel written by so many of his friends and associates attest to how Karnel was loved and respected by all who knew him.
Please accept Pam and my deepest condolences on his passing.