https://my.forever.link/register/BayGardens-Hamilton/santokh-singh-pooni
Please copy and paste the livestream link into your URL search bar and register to view the service starting at 11am Friday April 24th

Santokh passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, in his 92nd year surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Charanjeet, daughter Ramneek, son Navdeep (Patty Jackson), and father figure to Kali. Loving Nanaji and Babaji to Evan (Chelsea Carlson) and Delsen, Bapuji to Atticus. Survived also by his younger sister Mindi (Jarnail Sidhu) and his large extended family throughout India, England, and across Canada.

Born in the small village of Jindowal, Punjab, he spent his early years helping out on the family farm. Supported by his family, he became the first to enter university where he participated in many extracurricular activities while attaining first class honours in his studies (BA, MA, and teaching diploma) to become a professor. This, and his determination to pursue opportunity for his family, allowed him to land a teaching job in Canada and realize his dream of moving overseas.

He, Jeet, and Ramneek arrived in Liverpool, Nova Scotia in 1963 and Nav was born the next year. After several moves, the family settled in Dundas, Ontario in 1971 where he continued his 30+ year teaching career at Aldershot High School. It is always a joy to hear stories from his former students and colleagues.

Santokh believed deeply in the importance of community and community service. Unwaveringly supported by his wife, he co-founded Hamilton’s Indo-Canada Society and Sikh Sangat Society. In so doing, he helped bring internationally renowned artists to stage, foster local South Asian talent including the continent’s first performing bhangara troupe, establish the Dundas gurdwara now at Hwy 6 and York Road, and bring together the local South Asian community. He was also on the Hamilton Mayor’s Race Relations Committee, Inter-Faith Counsel, liaison to the Sikh community on the Police Services Board, was a staunch Liberal, and served as President of the Hamilton Mountain Rotary Club amongst many other pursuits.

An avid gardener, his backyard gardens were legendary, growing every manner of vegetable, herb, and flower, always keen to share not only the bounty, but his expertise in cultivating his produce. Until his health began hampering him a few years ago, he espoused and exemplified the ideal of a vigorous mind and body, always ready for a discussion or a walk.

Santokh was a highly respected pillar of the community and nurtured strong and supportive relationships with family and friends for all of his years. His loss will be felt deeply and widely.

Thanks to the doctors, nurses, and wonderful staff at Hamilton General Hospital and St. Peter’s Hospital for the thoughtful care and attention given in his final days.

Please join us in celebrating Santokh’s life at Bay Gardens Funeral Home, 1010 Botanical Dr, Burlington, ON L7T 1V1, 905-527-0405 on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 6pm-8pm. A Funeral Service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Friday, April 24, 2026, with visitation starting from 10am-11am followed by prayers and speakers from 11am-Noon. Approximately 12:30pm-3pm – Prayers and Langar (meal), Gurdwara Shaheedgarh Sahib, 200 Old Guelph Rd, Hamilton, ON L9H 5X6 905-525-5725

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Alzheimer Society of Canada (https://alzheimer.ca/on/en), Canadian Hearing Services (https://www.chs.ca/), Canadian National Institute for the Blind (https://www.cnib.ca/en), Dundas Gurduwara, Parkinson Canada (https://www.parkinson.ca/), The Rotary Foundation (https://trfcanada.org/), or any other public-minded charitable organization of your choice.

Online condolences can be made to www.baygardens.ca