Canada’s first Indo-Canadian physician dies in New Westminster, at age 92
Posted December 24, 2023 6:23 pm.
Last Updated December 24, 2023 6:29 pm.
Canada’s first Canadian physician of Indian origin died in New Westminster last week.
At age 92, Dr. Gurdev Singh Gill passed away on Dec. 17, according to an obituary by his family.
In 1949, Gill left India for Canada and seven years later, he graduated from the University of British Columbia.
He then went on to set up a medical practice in New Westminster, where he practiced for 40 years.
In his obituary, Gill’s family describes the discrimination he witnessed against other Canadians of colour, and the organization he founded to help new immigrants coming from India to Canada.
As the founder of the East Indian Welfare Society, Gill lobbied the Canadian government to improve conditions for his community and help new immigrants land a job in their profession.
His family adds that he was very active within the Sikh community, as president of the Khalsa Diwan Society in Vancouver.
Gill retired from the medical profession in 1995, shortly after receiving the Order of BC.
Gill was also recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, UBC Global Citizenship Alumni Achievement Award and UBC MAA Wallace Wilson Leadership Award.
A celebration of life will be held on May 20 in Metro Vancouver to honour Gill’s life.
