Cllr Harbans Sarohi’s Funeral

It was in shock and sadness that we met to remember the life of Harbans Singh Sarohi, not just for us but for his beloved wife Mangit; His wonderful daughters Shivender, Harvinder and Virinder, his sons in law Parmajit Balvinder and Paul and his beloved and adored grandchildren:

Daniel Kiera Asita Ajeet Jeevan Sam and Joe. He was so proud of all of his grandchildren charting their careers;

What a great year with Mangit the president of the Gurdwara and Harbans as Deputy Mayor:  

Shocked because many people have said they saw Harbans only last week and he looked well;

Many visitors to his home paid their respects talked of how Harbans helped them.

He treated everyone equally even those that caused him difficulties he never showed any anger. He gave a great service to people helping them even before he was a councillor. He did many good deeds.

Harbans was the living embodiment of the positive qualities of the Sikh faith Truth, compassion, contentment, being Humble and love not just to his family but to everyone.

He was a great Labour party foot soldier joining me in every campaign in his beloved Pleck ward and reserving his best smile when we won.

I hope people will agree that the former Pleck library where people would find him during his surgeries should be called the Harbans Singh Sarohi Centre

I hope you will join in that campaign in his memory.

Just as each one of us has a memory of Harbans lets live our lives the way he did and the way we are remembering him now.

And remember the words of Canon Henry Scott Holland of St Pauls:

“Death is nothing at all I have only slipped away into the next room.

I am I and you are you. Whatever we were to each other that we still are”

From humble beginnings, a degree in maths and Physic and then public service  sharing rooms with other people when he first came here to Deputy Mayor, Councillor for over 20 years and friend to so many more importantly Mangit’s husband, a father and grandfather.

Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him- may he rest in peace Amen  

Harbans Singh Sarohi – we will never forget you.