DR. KANWALJIT SINGH JOLLY

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DR. KANWALJIT SINGH JOLLY

1946 - 2024

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and cherished friend, Dr. Kanwaljit (Kanwal) Singh Jolly, who left us to meet his creator on November 9, 2024, at the age of 78.

Kanwal was with his loving wife and son Sanjit in his final moments. He died peacefully at home while watching his favourite sport Cricket. Kanwal was a kind, gentle, and joyful man full of immense humour and wisdom, cherishing every moment that he spent with his loved ones.

Kanwal was born in Mombasa, Kenya in 1946. He always carried fond memories of Kenya, often reminiscing about the landscape, the mango trees, and the warm beaches. He was the middle child of five children (Pritpal, Pritham, Surinder, Rani).

Early on his heart was set on becoming a doctor, and at the age of 17 he left Kenya alone and got on a boat to travel to Bombay, India to pursue his dreams of becoming a doctor. He obtained his MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) from The Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMC), Ludhiana, India.

While working at the CMC his good friend (and later, lifelong friend) Dr. N. Rihal suggested that he come to Canada to work; the latter job posting required additional training whilst obtaining a British Medical Degree. Kanwal’s hardworking and optimistic attitude therefore led him to complete further training at the Bradford Royal Infirmary where he went on to pass the LRCP (Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians), and therefore become a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS).

Although he studied and worked hard in London, England, life brought him to Canada. He recalled visiting the High Commission of Canada / Canadian Embassy in Manchester, England where it was suggested that he move to a small town in Manitoba – Roblin. Therefore in 1971, motivated by his eternal sense of adventure and hope, he moved to Roblin, Manitoba. At that time, the population of Roblin was only 1753. This move to Canada and specifically Manitoba proved to be a monumental turning point in Kanwal’s life, as he later successfully established himself and his family in Manitoba for several decades.

In 1972, while visiting India to meet his parents, he met the love of his life and his soulmate, Tripat. After a two-week courtship, they were married and they moved back to Roblin, MB together. After one year of work in Roblin, Kanwal was accepted into the internal medicine program at the University of Manitoba where he obtained his FRCPC (Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in Canada) in 1975. He had been very well-liked by the Roblin community and they were sad to see him go when he went on to train further in his career. In Winnipeg, Kanwal led a rich and multi-faceted life. He raised his children, Sanjit, Sunit, and Umjeet, while building a successful career as a cardiologist. Kanwal became an active and well-respected member of the community, contributing to various organizations, including the Indian cultural community, as well as serving on the boards of St. John’s Ravenscourt School and Balmoral Hall. He was known for going out of his way to help others, always ready to lend a hand to those in need. As the only turban Sikh cardiologist, the Indian community looked up to him for their family’s cardiology care. Not only was Kanwal an esteemed professional, but he was also known for his immaculate style; he received multiple awards for being the best-dressed doctor! Another source of personal achievement for Kanwal was when he built his dream home, dubbed locally as “The White House.”

Kanwal was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1997 at the age of 51 years. Although this diagnosis was a disappointing blow at such a young age, Kanwal never allowed sentiments of pity or depression to cloud him. He was always known to be cheerful, and he embraced his physical limitations with resilience and grace.

When Kanwal retired in 2012, he was a pillar of professionalism and strength. Many friends, colleagues, former medical students, and residents continue to remember him fondly. After his retirement, Kanwal moved to Oakville, Ontario to live closer to his children and his grandchildren, however Winnipeg was always in his heart; he always called himself a "Winnipeger". Kanwal was very proud to be from Winnipeg, and anyone he met, he made sure to let them know where he was from.

In Oakville, Kanwal and Tripat lived another stage of their life. They built a network of friends in their community and enjoyed the proximity to their children and grandchildren. Kanwal continued to enjoy lively parties just like he did in Winnipeg. At his new home, he was quite involved in the social community. Kanwal was always a scholar, reading about advances in Parkinson’s and cardiology and often had medical journal cut-outs and videos ready to discuss with his family. In 2020, despite the global hardship of the COVID pandemic, Kanwal wrote and published his autobiography “Matters of the Heart*”, detailing his earlier life and his battle with Parkinson's. His memoirs remain as a priceless gift to his family.

Kanwal defied the odds and persevered. He lived a full life at home with his dedicated wife Tripat. Some of the values used to describe him include inspiring, courageous, and strong. His greatest source of pride were his children, grandchildren, and his wife, whom he adored. He was a man of deep faith, finding tremendous joy and peace in prayer, and while listening to his favourite Kirtan hymns.

Kanwal wanted everyone to know that he won the game of life. He was able to do everything that he wanted, and most importantly, he was able to spend time with his children and grandchildren.

Kanwal was predeceased by his parents, Khushbash Singh Jolly and Agya Kaur Jolly. He will be missed by his loving wife and his children, Dr. Sanjit Jolly (Dr. Sony Jolly), Dr. Sunit Jolly (Dr. Michael York), Dr. Umjeet Jolly (Dr. Ana Cartagena) and his grandchildren: Divya, Aikam, Raina, Tristan, Sasha, Lucila and Ilina.

“May Waheguru bless our beloved father with eternal peace and light”

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Parkinsons Society of Canada.

The funeral service was held on November 20, at the Glen Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery. Online condolences can be made through glenoaks.ca

*Matters of the Heart: Living Courageously with Parkinson’s Disease Paperback – Large Print, July 1, 2020 by Kanwal Jolly (Available on Amazon.ca)

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 23, 2024, Nov 23, 2024