A Life of Service, Leadership, and Community
Early Years in India (1944–1947)
Jagtar Singh Sangha was born in India and, at the age of just three, embarked on a life
changing journey. In March 1947—during the final months before India’s independence—
he left Porbandar, Gujarat on a large dhow, traveling with his mother and older brother.
Because Bombay Port was closed due to political unrest, Porbandar served as their point of
departure.
The family travelled on his mother’s British Indian Passport (No. EC 89168, issued in Lahore
on 13 August 1946). His father had already moved to Nairobi in 1945, working as an Artisan
with East African Railways & Harbours. After weeks at sea, the family arrived in Mombasa,
Kenya in April 1947.
Growing Up in Kenya
Kenya became home for the young Jagtar. He grew up, received his education, began his
career, and eventually built a family in Nairobi.
Education and Early Leadership (1960s)
Jagtar qualified as a secondary/high-school teacher and taught at Dagoretti High School,
Nairobi, specializing in Biology, English, Geography, and Physical Education. His leadership
abilities emerged early:
President, Sikh Students Federation, Nairobi (1964–1970)
PRO, Sikh Missionary Society, Nairobi (1964–1972)
Editor, English Section, Khalsa Prakash annual magazine (1964–1972)
Qualified Adult Literacy Instructor (1964)
His talents extended far beyond the classroom. He participated in a religious stage play by
Mrs. Sharda and Shri Ram Swaroop Sharda, performing on major stages in Nairobi and
Nakuru (1964–65). He later acted in a comedic skit broadcast live on VOK Radio &
Television, and staged at Nairobi University Theatre and the National Theatre (1965–66).
In December 1965, he produced and directed a three-hour variety show at the auditorium
of Kenyatta Teachers Training College—an event that remains one-of-a-kind in the
institution’s history.
He also earned certification as a Club Grade Basketball Referee in May 1966.
Marriage and Family Life
On December 10, 1967, Jagtar married Smt. Sarwjit Kaur (Nijjar), a qualified primary
school teacher born in Kamuli, Uganda.
The couple welcomed their first daughter on November 1, 1969.
Sarwjit served at the Khalsa Schools in Nairobi until 1972.
Immigration to Canada (1972)
Seeking new horizons, the family—now with a 2½-year-old daughter—immigrated to
Canada on April 20, 1972. After visiting relatives in England, they arrived in Vancouver on
May 6, 1972, and settled in Prince Rupert, British Columbia the very next day.
Early Years in Canada and Community Service (1972–1977)
Professional Beginnings
1972: Joined Prince Rupert Regional Hospital’s Stores/Purchasing Department as a
Stores Porter.
1972–1975: Served as Vice-President, CUPE Local 105.
Sarwjit’s Early Work in Canada
Supervisor at Chatham Day Care Centre (1973–1974).
A Unique Chapter: Foster Parenting
From January 1974 to December 1977, Jagtar and Sarwjit became foster parents at
McCarthy House, caring for eight children who were wards of the Ministry of Human
Resources. Over four years, 50 children passed through their loving care.
They were the only non-Caucasian couple in Canada at that time running a group home
for provincial foster wards—a truly groundbreaking contribution.
Community Leadership in Prince Rupert
President, Foster Parents Association of Prince Rupert (1975–1977)
Treasurer & PRO, Indo-Canadian Sikh Association (1974–1978)
Part of the executive committee that established the first Sikh Gurdwara in
Northern British Columbia, transforming a former church into a spiritual home for
the community.
Professional Advancement in Healthcare (1975–1993)
Trailblazing Appointments
April 2, 1975: Appointed Materiel Manager—the first and only non-Caucasian
individual in Canada to hold this position in a healthcare institution.
June 1981: Appointed Director of Materials Management, Ridge Meadows
Hospital, Maple Ridge.
Provincial Leadership Roles
Jagtar’s influence extended across British Columbia’s healthcare system:
Chairperson, Provincial Group Purchasing Clinical Advisory Committee (1989
1993)
Vice-President, Hospital Purchasing Association of BC (1992–93)
Member, Provincial Group Purchasing Steering Committee, BC Health Services
Ltd (1982–1993)
Professional Achievements & Certifications
Hospital Departmental Management (1976)
Hospital Purchasing Management (1977)
Orientation to Hospital Purchasing (1975)
Managing Interpersonal Conflict (1980)
Citation for Hospital Material Management Systems (1980)
Management Skills for Supervisors (1985)
Meditech MM/AP Seminar (1992)
Entrepreneurship and Later Career (1993–2005)
From November 1993 to July 2, 2005, Jagtar served as President & CEO of Roxon
Universal Medical Ltd, New Westminster.
The company supplied advanced medical equipment and supplies to hospitals and clinics
across Western Canada.
Jagtar retired on July 2, 2005.
Family and Legacy
Jagtar and Sarwjit are proud parents of three children—one born in Nairobi and two in
Prince Rupert. All are well-settled in Burnaby and New Westminster.
They have four grandchildren:
Their eldest granddaughter is a Registered Social Worker.
Another granddaughter is in high school.
The eldest grandson is a BBA-Finance graduate from SFU’s Beedie School of
Business, now serving as Vice President, Investment Banking at J.P. Morgan,
Canada.
Their youngest grandson is in elementary school.
Active Senior Life
Today, Jagtar and Sarwjit remain active members of the Vedic Seniors Parivar of Lakshmi
Narayan Mandir, Surrey, BC.
They participate in morning yoga classes twice a week and enjoy Sunday bingo sessions at
Shanti Niketan Hall—continuing their lifelong tradition of community participation.
Conclusion
From a three-year-old crossing the Indian Ocean on a wooden dhow to a pioneering
educator, community leader, healthcare executive, and entrepreneur in Canada, Jagtar
Singh Sangha’s life is a testament to resilience, service, and leadership.
His journey reflects the indomitable spirit of immigrants who shaped the cultural and
professional fabric of East Africa and Canada, leaving a legacy that continues through his
family and community contributions.
