August 12, 1940 – August 19, 2017
Gurmit Singh Heir, 77, of Indianapolis, passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at Community Heart & Vascular Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born on August 12, 1940 to Kehar Singh and Nasib Kaur in Paddi Jagir, a rural farming village in Punjab, India.
In 1957, Gurmit left India with his siblings and mother, joining his father in England. Gurmit forwent a formal education and began working in a foundry at the age of 16. In 1962, he married Naginder Kaur, whose family had also emigrated from Punjab. Gurmit, Naginder and their four children lived alongside Gurmit’s extended family until their departure from England.
On May 28, 1977, Gurmit, Naginder and their children moved to the United States. The family’s early years in Indianapolis were difficult, but Gurmit was able to build a better life for his family through hard work and determination, often working two jobs. He pursued his lifelong dream of having all of his children educated and continued working until his retirement in 2012 at the age of 72.
Despite being spread across three continents and four countries, Gurmit remained very close to his four brothers, two sisters and their families. His children settled in Indianapolis and Gurmit’s greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gurmit was a lifelong observer of the Sikh faith and was an active member of the congregation at the Sikh Satsang of Indianapolis.
Gurmit’s work ethic was a source of pride for his family and earned him the respect and admiration of his employers and coworkers. Gurmit and Naginder enjoyed gardening together and they grew a number of vegetables and fruits native to India. At their home in Indianapolis he planted an apple, cherry, peach, pear and plum tree symbolizing his love for his siblings many miles away. Gurmit thrived on the company of his family, lifting weights and exercising at his local YMCA and staying up to date on Indian news and politics. Gurmit’s wit, foresight, welcoming demeanor and leadership through example will be dearly missed by his family.
Gurmit is survived by his wife, Naginder Kaur Heir; children, David Heir (wife Rajinder), Jackie Pinney (husband Dr. Neil Pinney), Penny Wiseman (husband Scott) and Roger Heir (wife Balbinder); siblings, Ajit Singh, Baldev Singh, Parkash Kaur, Ragbir Singh and Balbinder Kaur; twelve grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Amrik Singh.
Services will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at Randall & Roberts Funeral Center, 1685 Westfield Road in Noblesville.
Condolences: www.randallroberts.com
Arrangements
Service: 1 p.m. Aug. 26
Location: Randall & Roberts Funeral Center
Condolences: www.randallroberts.com