UPDATED:

• Vancouver January 12, 2009: According to Gary Grewal, Mr Lahori Ram was found dead in bed this morning, and it is still a matter of uncertainty here how he died. He was there to support Jassi Khangura's function in the evening at Vancouver. The function was cancelled.

Shri Lahori Ram - an untimely loss

Vancouver January 12, 2009
Jassi Khangura MLA

I am deeply saddened by the news that Mr Lahori Ram passed away suddenly in Vancouver, where he had travelled to attend a function with me in Vancouver.

This tragedy is an intolerable loss for all those that knew him. The Khangura family especially, of whom he was a great friend and supporter, already feel his absence tremendously.

Mr Lahori Ram (2nd from Left)

Lahori Ram is survived by his wife, Mrs Prito Ram, and children, Jagdev, a law school graduate; Ajaipaul, and Jagdish.

Mr Lahori Ram was the Economic Development Commissioner for the state of California, a senior leader of the Indian community in USA and was widely respected worldwide. A self-made man, he arrived in the USA knowing no-one. Through his honesty and sheer hard work he achieved the positions we now regard and respect him for.

A man truly able to relate to everyone, in his youth he worked as a farm labourer in the state of California, which remained his home, to pay for his education in foreign relations, and became a man whose counsel was sought by highly renowned business and political names. He worked his way up the US Postal Service to middle management before starting to invest in real estate.

It was Lahori Ram's investment in that sector, whilst still working his day job, that gave him the opportunity to develop his renowned and uninhibited philanthropic side. He assisted many causes in India, the USA and elsewhere. This interest in, and care for others made Lahori Ram a great man, of whom many people worldwide will have the fondest memories.

Mr Lahori Ram was a caring family man. He always spoke politely of others and everyone spoke well of him. He was a great and true friend to many people.

I shall forever be grateful for the personal advice and public and personal support Mr Ram gave to me over recent years. He had travelled to Vancouver to do just that, once again. It was with immense respect for all that he stood for, and his family, that we chose to cancel an otherwise full house event in Vancouver, at which he was due to speak.

We are all much poorer without Mr Lahori Ram. We will miss his infectious enthusiasm, grace and humble demeanor.

We mourn his death and pray that his soul rests in peace.....Jassi Khangura MLA

• Shri Lahori Ram in LA function