Dad died peacefully at home on December 22, 2021 spending his last few days surrounded by family. Born in Victoria at St. Joseph’s Hospital on September 25, 1936 to Sohan Singh and Beant Kaur Basi, Dad was one of 4 children.
Predeceased by his sister Bibi and sister-in-law Geri, he is survived by his wife Raghubans, children Ron (Gwen), Teri, Rob (Chris), and Kim; grandchildren Jenna (Stacey), Cameron, Ryan, and Graham. He will be greatly missed by family members and his many friends.
Dad grew up on Market Street spending the majority of his youth hanging out with his brothers (and best friends) Kirp and Jerry. At the age of 8, sitting on a block of wood with blocks on the pedals, Dad started to drive his father’s ’42 Dodge wood truck. He got caught occasionally, each time costing his father a bottle of rye when he was picked up from the police station. In his youth he developed lifelong meaningful friendships growing up with members of the East Indian community while working around the wood mills and lumber yards in Greater Victoria. Dad attended SJ Willis in grade 8 (for two years) where he learned that if you bought your teacher cigarettes they were obliged to share them with you. He learned how to smoke in the metal shop. At 14, his first job was as a stencil boy at Highway Sawmills. At 16 he worked at Plumper Bay where he drove a lift truck loading lumber on his father’s truck using a sling rather than forks; this was no small task. At the end of his second grade 8 year he started truck driving for Ideal Fuel hauling wood up and down the Island. However, it wasn’t until Dad turned 21 that he actually got his license. In the following years he was considered to be one of the best two-stick gear jammers around. He and Mom married on February 23, 1958 raising their kids in Victoria. He worked for Ideal Fuel until 1984 when the company, as Dad would say, went belly up. He then drove for Doman’s and Blue Star Transport until he retired in 2001.
Not one to mince words, Dad will be remembered as an upbeat, to the point, caring guy who’d give you the shirt off his back. With his blue collar upbringing he knew where he came from and how to command a room with his stories and humour.
He loved his grandchildren, niece, nephews, and had an incredibly soft spot for animals.
With consideration to the current Covid-19 situation, a private Funeral Service was held. A recording of the service can be found below.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Royal Jubilee Hospital: Heart Function Clinic, 1952 Bay Street, Victoria, BC V8R 1J8
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com.
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David Nicol
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Howard Duncan Rob, Condolences. Howard
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Bob & Susan Gill Sending our deepest condolences for your loss. We remember Uncle as a warm, joyful, fun-loving man, always happy to see us when our paths crossed. I especially remember Uncle back in the 70’s making me & Kim a nice little snack of boiled cubed potatoes sprinkled with masala & spices placed on a toothpick. The man was a one-of-a- kind!
We hope all the good memories you shared together bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Love from the Gill Family ❤️
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Denis & Vicky Daviault So sorry for your loss. I’m so glad I met your dad, as he was a good man and fun to talk to and he always had me laughing. I will miss him coming around.
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Janik and Kerry Rai So so sorry for your loss. Gurdial was such a sweet, kind hearted gentleman and it is such a pleasure to know his extended family as well whom I have shared many occasions with. Gurdial’s stories and laughter were so infectious. Thank you for sharing your father’s final tribute.
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Reshie Moss To Auntie, Ron, Gwen, Teri, Rob, Chris, and Kim,
We are thinking of you all during this emotional time. We wish we could be there for Uncle’s Celebration of Life to say our goodbyes and share stories about Uncle. He was a dynamic person with a lot of personality, great story teller and we had many laughs over the years. He was a great friend to our parents and Uncle to all of us. He really did live his life with charisma, great style and always a man you could count on. One day we all need to reconnect to share more personal stories we all had growing up with each other’s families. His legacy continues with his children and grandchildren. We know Ron, Rob, Teri and Kim the story telling is definitely in your blood❤️. Auntie, I know you will be fine as you are very strong individual and your family will keep a close eye on you! Actually you will continue to look out for them as that’s who you are ❤️. Uncle Rest In Peace.
Love Jaspaul (Nerdev), Sauvan (Jasbir), Sheila (Greg), Reshie (Randy), and Krishna.
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Doug and Angela Oakley I worked with Kim and our families became good friends. Kim was proud of her family and her dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all during this time.
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Ray and Ann McCulloch Our sincere condolences to the Basi family, Gurdial will be sorely missed.
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Randy Sangha My dear Chachi, Ron, Rob, Dimple, Kim, Kirk and Jerry. I am sorry for your loss. We give you our heart felt condolences. Your dad, or Gurdy as I called him, was a mentor to me as well as his brothers. When I was eighteen years old I drove truck for Futura bldg. Supp, Ted Doman. I remember hauling out of B. C. Forest to our yard and in front of me in line was your dad, Jerry and Pudoo. Back then we used chains to tie down our loads not straps. I asked your dad how the hell as I going to throw a chain over 3 stacks of wood. He said put your chains on the top stack when being load, then you climb up dangle the chain over the side hook it the frame and through the balance over the other side. A memory I will never forget. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Randy and Wendy Sangha
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Eric Lister To the Basi family, my deepest condolences. When I learned of Gurdial’s passing, many memories flashed through my mind. All brought a smile, remembering the glint, and the mischief, in his eyes. As my brother said, he was a beauty and will long be remembered.
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Nancy and Steve We are so sorry to hear of Gurdial’s death. Although we have not seen him for many years, it is apparent that he was kind, hard working and loved life. Hugs to Kim, Ron, Jerry and Alex.
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Ross Poulton My deepest condolences to Kim and the Basi family. Gurdial was truly a force to be reckoned with. I loved the time spent visiting him over the years and swapping stories. He always had the best stories. He was also always convinced their dog Bailey should be in the police dog training camp or farm team and enjoyed showing off the latest new trick. He was truly larger than lfe itself and wherever he went you could recognize his laugh immediately if you heard it. Sometimes when working I’d stop into Tino’s for coffee and occasionally find him entertaining Rob and Steve with the latest stories. He was known and loved by everyone. Gurdial was a gentleman and friend and I was very fortunate indeed to know him. I’m very happy to have visited him at home just 2 weeks before his passing. He was as engaging and funny as ever. Full of life and joy and good ideas about how to fix everything. I’m glad that visit is now a treasured memory for me of a great man. He’s no doubt double clutching and two stick gear jamming through the heavens and letting the airhorn blare. Gurdial has arrived in style. He will be missed!!
Ross and Lorna
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Garry Rai Gurdial was a legend in my younger days. I met Gurdial in the late 60’s & was in awe of him in the shiny yellow & black lumber truck. When OK Trucking had rented the property at David, Turner & Pleasant Streets at the Moore Whittington site, we would see Gurdial weekly. His smile was infectious with his dynamic personality. Rest In Peace.
Our deepest condolences, Garry & Lynn Rai
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Mohinder S. Randhawa My deepest condolences to all the Basi family for the loss of Gurdial. He was always happy, friendly and respectful. I’ve known him since he used to live with his family on Market Street. It is sad to miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
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Meena Johal Aunty, Ron, Teri, Rob and Kim
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts are with you all during this very difficult time. We cherish the memories and time spent together through the years. We will always remember Uncle for his larger than life personality, great sense of humor and warm heart.
Much Love, Shindo (aka Slim), Ranbeer and Meena
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Ajit Singh My heart-felt condolences to the warm and affectionate family.
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Nimby Sihota Our condolences and prayers go out to the Basi Family. It was always a pleasure to meet Gurdial. He brought a smile to everyone’s face. The Sihota Family
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Paul & Marleen Scyrup We met Gurdial through Bev and Dave.
We were in his company many times . We enjoyed him and the brothers, the three amigos . It was always so much fun at Darin’s hockey games with them.
He was a very special man, we will miss him greatly.
RIP Gurdial and hugs to your family.
Paul & Marleen Scyrup
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Tilly vanhecke To the Basi family
We are sorry for your loss and sending our condolences to you all.
Henri and Tilly VanHecke
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Karen Ravenhill My sincere condolences go out to all the family! I never met your dad but he sure sounds like a beautiful man!
Thinking about you all during such a sad time! He is flying with all the angels! Resting in peace!
Love always,
Karen Ravenhill
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Gina Switzer Deepest condolences to you all and so wish I had met your dad….from the service music and what your brother shared, he seemed pretty sassy.
I wish him and your family peace and healing and may you all know that his life was a gift, it sounds like to many. Gentle hugs ❤️
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Raykha Dhillon So sorry for your loss Aunty, Ron, Teri, Rob, Kim and family. Uncle was one of a kind and we will always remember his smile and of course all of his fun stories. I have so many wonderful memories from childhood when we all got together. Uncle will truly be missed.
Raykha, Sowaran, Nalin and Jalem
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Dani Frohloff I have to echo what Frank Ewer said, because I came to know your family through you, Kim, and the SPD functions your parents graciously hosted. The love in your family touches all who are fortunate enough to meet them. May your Dad RIP. Condolences to everyone who knew and loved him.
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Gurdial Dodd Very sad news. So sorry for your loss. Our prayers go out to the family. May his soul rest in peace, give courage to the family to bear their loss.
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Derek & Brenda Chow Dear Mrs Basi and Family,
Our sincere condolences. Gurdial was a man who cherished his family and brought a sense of humour to those around him. His passing will be a loss to so many. Rest In Peace, dear friend
as your stories will be repeated for years to come.
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Shawn, Cathy, Jackson & Olivia Boulding Our condolences to the Basi family and all the close friends affected by the passing of ‘Poppa’ Basi. We will always remember his sense of humour and his kind and generous manner. It was wonderful to read the eulogy and know that the exceptional traits Mr. Basi possessed are left behind in each of his four kids. That is what makes each of them the quality of people they are and the friends to so many. Please know our thoughts and well-wishes are with all of the family during this difficult time.
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Tommy Sanghera Kim, Our condolences to whole family during this difficult time. I met your father a few times he was very welcoming and friendly. RIP.
Sending lots of love,
Tommy, Asha, Kavita and Sean
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Nan Birnie My sincerest condolences to you Kim & your family. “Thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday, and days before that too. I think of you in silence, I often speak your name. All I have are memories and a picture in a frame. Your memory is a keepsake, with which I’ll never part. God has you in his keeping, I have you in my… heart.”
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Andrew & Lisa Condolences to the Basi family for the loss of your dad & husband . Gurdial had some funny stores of trucking and I loved his laugh. He will be greatly missed.
Lisa & Andrew Edwards
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Asha Dheensaw-Mcleod Dearest Basi family
Our deepest condolences to your family . We are so sorry for your loss.
He was a very kind and funny man , he will be missed .
RIP Gurdial Basi .
Our thoughts are with you guysAsha Dheensaw McLeod and Piari Dheensaw
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Harry Schamhart Harry
Condolences to your family.
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Rob and Cammy Coughlin Our deepest condolences to the Basi family. We had The pleasure of getting to know Gurdial and had the best time at their wedding anniversary. He was very kind and welcoming to our family and we know he will be missed and was well loved.
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John, Lynda, Emma and Grace So sorry to hear about your loss. We will always remember the joy of accepting your family invitation to dinner – can’t decide if it was your mom’s butter chicken or your dad’s excitement describing, in great detail, which WWE wrestler will win the match.
Always thinking of you and your family.
Stay strong!
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Les Bryan Our condolences to all the Basi family for the loss of your dad and husband. Keep strong. Les and Irena
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Nim and Gurdeep Sundher Dear Raghubans, Ron, Teri, Rob, Kim and families
Our sincerest condolences on the loss of Gurdial.
Gurdial will be remembered as a man with a quick wit and wonderful sense of humour who could bring laughter to a silent crowd. He was generous with his time and valued those he came into contact with.
Dad thoroughly enjoyed his weekly coffee sessions with Gurdial at Ronald’s house. There would be a lot of bantering, reminiscing and laughter. Gurdial shared many of his wonderful stories and had the boys in stitches. Gurdial was a Prince of a Man and King of the Court.
Gurdial was well renowned for his mastery skill set behind the wheel of a truck. If there was a Truckers’ Hall of Fame, Gurdial would be an Honourary Member.
Sincerely,
Nim, Gurdeep and family
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Raj and Buncy Pagely and Family Dear Rob and Family, we are so sorry to hear of the news of your Dads passing. He will be missed by all. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you all.
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Anne Sangha Our sincere condolences to the Basi Family. Gurdial had an amazing smile and I will miss his friendly wave as I go up & down our hill.
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Rahvie Pagely My condolences Rob to you and the family.
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Nancy Thinking of your family at this time.
So sorry for your loss.Nancy Reeve ❤️
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Joe & Surjit Very sorry for your loss. He was great person. We’ve known him for long time. Our condolences to all family. Jawl family
Joe &Surjit Jawl
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Frank EWER Our deepest condolences to all your Family during this very difficult time… Can’t count the number of times your Mom and Dad opened your home for Members of our SPD shift with Mom serving up the food and Dad serving up the humor…He will be deeply missed by many.
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Rick Clough Very sorry to hear the passing of your father Gurdial he was a great guy and definitely a great story teller and I always enjoyed hearing stories of the old days that involved my dad and others that I knew and grew up with
He will be missed but not forgotten
The Clough’s
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Barb Milligan I didn’t know your dad well Ron, but I still fondly remember one story that involved him. You asked him to rescue me when I locked my keys inside my car (for about the tenth time!l) and was too afraid to call my dad. He jimmied the lock with a tool that he had (and no-one was the wiser!)
Wish I had that tool over the years!
My condolences to the whole Basi family over the loss of your dad.
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Ron "Haggis" Vanzetta My condolences to the family of Gurdial. I met him when I started at Ideal Fuel in 1968. He
took me under his wing and showed me the ropes. I found him to be a kind, funny responsible man and helped me when I got in trouble with a couple of loads. I was also invited to a couple of Family gatherings in his garage where I met son, Ron and brothers Jerry and Kirpal, and we all became friends, still to this day.
May you rest in peace my old friend.
Haggis
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Bonny Billan Dear Ragbunts, Ron, Dimple, Kim, Rob & your families. Sending my deepest condolences & much love to all of you at this difficult time. Gurdial was always such a happy and friendly man to everyone he met and I enjoyed speaking with him. He will be greatly missed. Lots of love, Bonny.
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Lloyd Malovec Condolences to the family and friends. To me, the Basi Family have been one of the nicest and most helpful group of people I have ever met especially in the trucking industry. Gurdial, I know will be missed.
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Janik Manhas We were very sad to hear of Gurdial’s passing. He was a childhood friend of my Dad, Bunt Manhas. They had some adventures together including going to India together to get married. Their friendship lasted a lifetime.
Our deepest condolences to the Basi Family.
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Gerry Lister We go away back! Gurdial was a real character! He was a mentor to me ! I have many fond memories that I will cherish! Our neighborhood had many great people, none greater than my friends, The Basi Family! Time parted us but feelings of friendship were always there whenever we met up! Gurdial was a beauty ! May you Rest In Peace my friend!
My Heartfelt Condolences and Sympathies go out to the Families !
You were like a brother to me!
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Lauri Stevens Your dad was such a cool guy and I will always remember his big smile.
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Herb and Soraya Dhillon Was a pleasure to have known him, sorry for your loss
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Gurdave Sundher Sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Basi. He will be missed. Gurdave, Millyn and the Sundhers.
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Sukhbir (Suki) Johal Dear Aunty, Ron, Teri, Rob, Kim and family…my heartfelt condolences to you all. Uncle was special man with a heart of gold, and some of the best stories I ever heard. He was here for all of us when we lost our father…a wonderful man who will be missed.
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Jim and Sue Baker What a great history of a great man!! Thanks for sharing your memories of Gurdial. Our condolences to all the family.
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Gary Jenkins I am so pleased and grateful to have met him! Saw him on two occasions one being at Costco and the other being after I retired from being a class 1 driver for Thrifty’s and was working part time at Broadmead. I noticed his “Blue Star” ball cap and the conversation just flowed.
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Jannette Lock Our deepest condolences on the passing of your Father Ron!
Bill & Jannette
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Richie Rankin To the Basi family, our sincere condolences. I loved this man so much and will miss running into him and sharing our time together over the years . Our stories never grew old and always entertaining. Gurdial was a prince of man that was always the same and a ton of laughs. Our association basically started with my Dad because Gurdial would dump his Highway Sawmills log truck sometimes at night when the tide came in . I first saw him when going to High School in Lake Cowichan and the Ideal trucks would tighten the chains in front of the school . Always a treat to meet him when I started to drive with his shiny truck, big smile and wave all whilst blowing his air horns ! So going to miss you my friend as will many ❤️❤️
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Brett Kneen My sincerest condolences Ron to you and your family, a great man.
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Gina Bains It sounds like your Dad was a lovely man, Ron! Memories to cherish for sure.
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Amar Phagura Describes Gurdial to a T .. very well said. From the times I saw him, he always had a smile on his face … and always good words to say. Sadly missed but will not be forgotten…
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Jerome Rozitis So sorry for your loss. He was a great friend and neighbour. I will miss our bs sessions in his garage and listening to his stories of driving trucks and causing trouble growing up. He was a great story teller and was always good for a laugh.
Our dog always looks for him as we walk by and her tail would start wagging if the garage door was up knowing he would be there with a treat for her. It will be sad not seeing him around or stopping by for a chat. We will miss him greatly.
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Herb Hey Ron, that’s a fantastic tribute to your dad. A pioneer in the truest sense. Deepest condolences to you and your family.
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Barb Bishop He was always incredibly kind.
Life is too short.
My condolences to all his family and friends that loved him.
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Pat MacPhail Sorry to learn of your fathers passing Ron.
I know he must have been a good father by the way his children turned out.I remember examining the Ideal trucks when I was kid…and I think I pried the emblems off a few too!
My condolences to the Basi family
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Ian Brown To Ron and family. I met your Dad many times while driving for Hearsey’s. He is one you don’t forget. RIP Sir. Ian Brown
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Veronica Wakelyn So sorry for your families loss.
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Tarj Mann Our thoughts are with the family at this very sad time. Gurdial was always cheerful, friendly and made you feel right at home no matter the time, situation or place. We know that the family will take some comfort in sharing the many, many happy memories and funny moments that he left behind. He will be missed for sure, but he will not soon be forgotten. Gurdial was a friend to everyone and whenever his name came up, it invariably brought a funny story and a good laugh. He was a self made man who lived his life on his terms. It was wonderful that he was able to spend his last days surrounded by family in his own home. We will always treasure what a good friend he was to our dad, Hardy. Tarj, Jeeti, Davinder and Krishna Mann
The most wonderful man I have ever known, and was my landlord. Kim babysat my kids, and Ron and Rob were terrific kids. Gurdial and his wonderful and beautiful wife raised greatness in their home.
All the days of my life, I will remember Gurdial and the Basi family with love and respect.
Highest Regards, David Nicol and My family.