From the fields of Punjab to the rail tracks of Canada, Tejinder S. Dial built a life rooted in resilience, hard work, and gratitude. Born in Dhudike, a small village in Moga, he inherited the spirit of service and sacrifice from his family. His mother, Dhan Kaur Gill, was the daughter of Pakhar Singh Gill, a Ghadri Baba who spent nearly 20 years in prison for India’s freedom struggle. His father served in the Indian Army, and the values of duty and discipline were embedded early on.
Educated at Government College in Ludhiana, Tejinder’s path was forever changed when his maternal uncle, Niranjan Singh Gill, a teacher in Canada, offered to sponsor his immigration. In August 1959, Tejinder arrived in Canada, alone and determined to make a new life.
Like many immigrants, Tejinder faced cultural shocks and economic hardships. After a brief stint at a lumber mill, he moved to Milk River, Alberta, to live with his uncle. There, he confronted the pressure to conform—removing his turban and shaving his beard in an effort to find work and fit in. Despite these early sacrifices, he remained steadfast in his values.
A turning point came while he was working at a grocery store. A local couple took interest in his story and helped him connect with Mr. Hovan, a station master with CP Rail, who offered Tejinder a position as an assistant for $210/month. In June 1960, he officially joined CP Rail, beginning a storied career on the Canadian railway.
From assistant to telegraph operator, then trainman in Cranbrook, Tejinder’s journey through the railway industry is a testament to dedication and trust. Elected by his peers as Secretary-Treasurer of the Union, he served in that role for ten years. Later, he passed the Locomotive Engineer exam and rose to become a Freight Train Driver—a job that not only brought financial stability but also immense pride.
Eventually, he was elected to the Union Executive, representing and advocating for his fellow workers until CP Rail bought out the engineering division. Tejinder retired in 1994, moving to Surrey, BC, in 1995.
Behind every strong man is a strong woman—and for Tejinder, that is his wife, Surinder Kaur Dial. A quiet but steady presence in his life, Surinder supported their growing family while Tejinder built his career. Together, they raised a beautiful family.
Their son Raj married Baljit, have two daughters who are proud, thriving Canadians. His daughter Seema’s husband Kevin serves as a Captain in Canadian Army and their grand daughter Jasmin works with Global TV.
Now in his retirement years, Tejinder reflects on his journey with a deep sense of appreciation:
“Thank you CP Rail and thank you Canada for such a beautiful and happy life.”
His story is a remarkable portrait of the immigrant spirit: hard-earned success, quiet perseverance, and the belief that a better life is possible when opportunity meets determination.
God Bless Canada.
