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
Our condolences to the Jawl family.
Karnel was very supportive when I started my construction and and Banking career decades ago, he looked out for me and gave advice where it mattered the most. Over the years we ran into each other at various social events, he was very kind and very supportive often praising my success to other others around him.
You could tell he took pride in seeing his community and his culture succeeding. He was a mentor to many of us, trying to find our way as children of immigrants like himself. My family and I appreciate the good life he led and the example he set for others like us to continue uplifting others and cheering on their accomplishments.
Thank you, Karnel.
Condolences to the Jawl family,
I worked at Home Lumber for over 25yrs. Karnel was a great boss,he was always good to me and my family.He will be greatly missed
Rob Bains
Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Mindy and the entire Jawl family over the loss of Karnel. He was truly admired and loved by so many people. What a legacy he has left for his children, grandchildren and and great grandchildren. Our thoughts are with you all. Nigel and Renza Brown and family
Mindy and family we are very sorry to hear about Karnel’s passing, he will be missed by many.
Jeeto Johal and family
Dear Mindy, Michael, Kathy, Debra, Rod, and the entire Jawl family,
We are saddened by the loss of Karnel. May you find comfort in memories of his remarkable life and the love he leaves behind.
With deepest sympathy.
Charn & Lisa
Condolences to Debbie, Rod, Michael, Kathy and the entire Jawl family.
One evening back in 1993 my friend John and I pulled into the golf course parking lot in my new Mercedes. Karnel was standing in the driveway. He and John were good friends.
John was driving and put his window down and asked: “Are you parking the cars?”
Karnel smiled and replied: “I’ll park it alright — in that lake over there!”
Karnel had a quick wit and always tried to find humour in any situation. He was a fine man and good fella to get to know. May he rest in Peace.
Bill & Bernice Irvine
Heartfelt condolences from our family to yours. What a legacy he built and leaves behind, and many memories for those he knew to cherish always.
My father worked closely with Karnel at the yard throughout his career, and our family appreciated the professionalism and, more importantly, the care shown over the years. I also remember visiting the yard and office as a child and always being welcomed kindly, memories that have stayed with me. Our condolences to the Jawl family, and best wishes as you remember a life well lived.
Roop, Harinder, Joginder, and Surjit Jawl and family
Heartfelt condolences to the Family, Friends and Business associates of Karnel. One of the last Pioneers/Trailblazers in the Lumber Business. Over the past 25 years Uncle and I have had more than a few “discussions” over a dime or quarter cent on what a sheet of plywood should be priced at. Pretty sure I was on the losing end most times. Karnel was the epitome of hard work, resolve and compassion. I learned something every time Karnel and I spoke or met. Karnel’s trademark hanging up of the phone whenever a deal was confirmed will be forever missed.
Rick Sidhu
Erica, Franc and everyone at DAUSTUDIO send our deepest condolences to the Jawl family on the loss of Karnel. His professionalism and joy in his work will continue to inspire those who worked with him in our industry.