Obituary of Malkit Singh Leighl
Malkit Singh Leighl, 77, of Port Credit, Ontario passed away unexpectedly on December 6th, 2021 in hospital. He is survived by his adoring wife Prakash, son Akhilesh Singh (Jaspreet), daughter Natasha Basant (Bruce Baker) and granddaughter Sneh Kaur Leighl.
Born in Suva, Fiji to Karam Kaur and Jagat Singh Leighl, he grew up in Tamavua, Fiji with his family. A prize-winning student, he finished high school at 15 and travelled to India to study History at the University of Delhi. After obtaining his B.A.(Hons), he returned home and married his beloved, Prakash Kaur Dasanjh. The newlyweds became teachers at MGM High School and later he joined the Civil Service as Assistant Registrar of Cooperatives. After the birth of his son Akhilesh (Axy), he immigrated to Canada, landing in Winnipeg in January, 1969, still dressed for Fiji’s tropical climate. The family soon moved to Toronto, and within a few days of their arrival met the Hajdu and Filion families, who became lifelong friends. Together with their new friends, they quickly assimilated to life in Canada.
Although accepted at Law School, he abandoned his plans in order to support his young family, initially with Metropolitan Life as a Sales and Debit Agent. He studied nights and weekends to become a certified accountant (CGA, now CPA), and moved to Crown Life where he started in Underwriting and later became Director of Taxation. He became the VP Finance and Treasurer of Mercantile & General, and was featured in the CGA advertising campaign for new recruits. He then started his “dream job” at Ernst and Young, initially as Principal and later as Associate Partner.
Throughout his career, he was a wonderful friend, advocate and mentor. He always encouraged his team and colleagues to reach their highest potential and was a source of inspiration to many. Throughout his working life, he gathered many friends that have since become family, including Reya, Andrea, Dina, Bruna, Bianca and others.
He was a proud member of the Fiji Sikh community, and had many close friends that he supported and who supported him. Devoted to the Sikh faith, he worked hard to promote an understanding of Sikhism in Canada, and was a proud supporter of the Sikh Foundation and many temples including the Ontario Khalsa Darbar and Malton temples.
He had many passions – first and foremost, his wife Kashi. But he also loved to entertain in his lakeside home in Port Credit, where family and friends were always welcome. He and Kashi have been blessed by wonderful neighbours and friends over the years.
Most of all, he was devoted to his family – his wife, children and grandchildren. He also leaves behind his brother Bikkar Singh (Dip Kaur), Gurcharan Kaur (late Ranjit Maan) and his late sister Sam Kaur. He was beloved by his Tamavua cousins (Teja, the late Byant, Balwant, Gyan, Gurmeet, Naseeb, Jitendra), and their families and children. His many nieces and nephews (Amrit, Surendra, Prakash, Pradeep, Praneel, Raveen, Sobhna, Rajiv), their spouses and children (including Greg, Aneel, Preeya, Raveena, Sanjiv, Priti, Ryan, Kushwant and more) were also very close to him and were an important part of his life.
The Dasanjh family were also an integral part of his life – many of Prakash’s brothers stayed with them during their studies in Toronto in the early years. He leaves his loving brothers-in-law Ranjit, Jagjit, Kashmir, Ashok and his sisters-in-law (the “Union”) including Subaran, Balraj (late Kamal), Shukla, Surinder, Bidya (late Mukesh) and Lemba. His Dasanjh nieces and nephews miss him also, including Shalan, Mindu, Preet, Jyoti, Neil, Rajiv, Nikhilesh, Navinesh, Shanya, Simran, Frances, Priscilla and the late Tanya (Eileen).
His love, selflessness and desire to see the next generation succeed will continue to inspire us. We will forever cherish our memories of him.
We remain grateful to the team at the Toronto General CV Intensive Care Unit for their kindness in his last days.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Bladder Cancer Canada or to the Leighl Family Endowed Merit Award at the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.
© 2021 Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel Limited. All Rights Reserved.
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