BAINS, Sewa Singh

June 25, 1942 — September 23, 2025

Our generous, confident, loving, force of nature father, Sewa Singh Bains, passed away peacefully at home following a short battle with cancer on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. He was predeceased by his parents, brother, and a sister in childhood. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Gurdev; his 2 daughters, Nancy Bains (David George), and Param Bains (Andrew Kinsella); and his grandchildren, Liam, Mila, and Arlo. He also leaves behind his sister, Mewa Kaur Kular (Piara Singh), numerous nieces, nephews, relatives/extended family, and countless friends from all walks of life.

Sewa was born in Manak Dheri, Punjab, India, in 1942 or 1943 (questionable Indian record keeping to blame!) to a farming and land-owning family. He was the eldest of 4 siblings, with whom he was close. Sewa was one of few in his family to be university educated, and acquired his Master’s Degree in Geography at the Panjab University in Chandigarh in 1970. He married Gurdev in 1971 in the midst of a blackout during the India/Pakistani war. He immigrated to Canada in 1972, with Gurdev following in 1974. They settled in Kelowna and made this their home for over 52 years. They bought the orchard in 1979 and raised their 2 daughters on this land. He loved the orchard and often referred to it as paradise. He took ultimate delight in watching his grandchildren playing on his beloved land. He took his last breath in this paradise.

Sewa was a lifelong farmer/orchardist. It was his identity. He was the best-dressed farmer in town! He educated himself in everything related to growing tree fruits over the last 46 years. He imparted that wisdom to friends and others entering the field, and taught his son-in-law everything he knew to take over his beloved orchard, to ensure we keep cultivating and harvesting his beautifully planted trees. Where harvesting fruit was his life’s work, his garden was his passion. He loved planning, organizing, and growing his beloved vegetables, and often grew enough to feed the whole town. He would spend any free time gifting his beautiful veggies to his friends, dry cleaners, bankers, doctors, and nurses.

Sewa was also committed to community service. He was actively involved in the Punjabi Sikh community and helped build the first Sikh Temple in Kelowna in 1982. In addition, he was an active member of the Kelowna community in general, being part of various multicultural events and charity societies. He was very involved in politics and encouraged everyone to use their voice and assert their right to vote. He was a proud member of the Liberal Party of Canada, and spent countless hours campaigning for various candidates he admired and believed in over the years, municipally, provincially, and federally.   He has become ingrained in Kelowna society and is very well known in many circles. He was Mr. Kelowna.

Sewa was always ready for a party, and he was the life of the party. He loved being around people, enjoying good food, drinks, and conversation. He also loved to dance/bhangra. He loved Bollywood movies and passed his love for old Hindi film songs to his daughters. He was witty, sarcastic, and hilarious. He was full of laughter. He loved effortlessly and was never afraid to express his feelings. Sewa always spoke the truth, and though his ego sometimes got in the way, almost all would agree that he was always genuine.

Sewa’s loss is enormous and has been devastating for us all. We are left heartbroken. He will be missed immensely, but he is everywhere – in the trees, the sunflowers, and his beloved garden. He was larger than life and lived life to its fullest. We will try to do the same as we navigate life without him.

A Funeral Service will be held at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC, at 9:30 am on Friday, October 3, 2025, with prayer service and lunch to follow at Okanagan Sikh Temple, 1111 Rutland Road North, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below). A recording will be made available to view in 3-5 days.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the BC Cancer Society, or the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

LIVESTREAM:

Service Details

The service for BAINS, Sewa Singh is scheduled for Friday, October 3, 2025, at 9:30 am (PDT). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC

2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC

Phone:

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Special Requests:

None.

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