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
I was very sorry to hear of Karnel’s passing, he was a lovely man and I always enjoyed having a quick chat with him when I was down at Home Lumber. He will be missed.
Dear Mindy, Michael and the Jawl family, We are saddened to hear of Karnel’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. Our family was blessed to have Karnel as a dear friend. Our father, Henry had many great stories with Karnel especially at Exhibition Park and Longacres race tracks. We still have and cherish a Smiley’s Dream winner circle photo that Karnel invited Henry to be in. Richard and Rod Lee
Dear Mindy, Debra, Michael & all of your families, sending heartfelt condolences on the passing of Karnel, your husband, father & grandfather. Karnel was a true gentleman in every respect and he always had a warm smile for everyone he greeted.
Love & Light Karnel on this next part of your Soul’s journey.
One day you will all meet up again upon a peaceful & beautiful shore.
With deepest sympathy,
Bonny Billan & family.
My condolences to family. I never met Mr. Karnel yet knew of all the goodness that his and him contributed to this beautifull greater Victoria and the whole Vancouver Island, I have been a brick block and rock mason going into my 51 year ,I worked for many proud Victorians and many of my clients were not only Canadians but of East Indian background going back to Sikh temple I donated my and my dad’s time to build just two small columns where Sikh temple still stands, thanks to Jaswall and Dave Purwall way back in 1979. I was there just the other day, still looking good, I have no friends but I gave to this community in my masonry work to remember me by, we all built this city, Karnel rest in peace from Canadian -Croatian Victoria mason, John Arbanas
Our Deepest Condolences to all the Family at the passing of Karnel Jawl. He will be deeply missed
by all.
Karnel was a wonderful, generous Man.
We were honoured to have him call us “Friend”.
We will miss seeing his smiling face at Bill Matticks.
Our heartfelt condolences to Mindy and All his Family.
He will be missed.
Russ and Leslie Walker
Dear Michael and family, we were very sorry to hear the passing of your father. Karnel was a very devoted man to his family and highly respected businessman in the community. He will be dearly missed by all. Warmest Regards.
Norm and Jean Pass
Our heartfelt condolences to the entire Jawl Family on the loss of Karnel, who was an incredible force and trailblazer for the entire family and for the history of Victoria. Some of my happiest and best days were working for the “Jawls” and I always admired and respected your famiy’s roots, determination and achievements which have impacted so many lives including mine. Heartfelt condolences from my family to yours.
Our heartfelt condolences to the Jawl family on the passing of Karnel Singh Jawl. He lived a remarkable life and left a lasting legacy in the Victoria community through his integrity, hard work, and devotion to family.
May his memory continue to inspire all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.