Tonight, we adjourn our meeting in honor of a remarkable community member, business owner and philanthropist: Gunjit S. Sikand.
Gunjit was born in India in 1928. He was the youngest of six children, and the first of his family to emigrate to America.
He came to the United States at the age of 17 to attend Auburn University. He then relocated to Boulder, CO to pursue his master’s degree.
It was there that he met his beloved wife, Margarete, who stood proudly by his side for 61 years.
After moving to California, Gunjit founded Sikand Engineering Associates, which is now entering its 56th year of operation.
In addition to being a successful businessman, Gunjit taught Civil Engineering at Cal State Los Angeles.
Throughout his 20-year teaching career, Gunjit helped sharpen young minds and provided internships and jobs to his students. Many of these former students still work at his company today.
Gunjit’s mission to help others also led him to establish the Sikand Foundation in 1988.
The foundation contributes to hundreds of charities each year, providing care, education and services to those in need.
Gunjit’s main purpose in life was to “leave the world better a better place than it was when he came into it.” His life was truly a testament to that principle.
Gunjit passed away peacefully on April 29 at the age of 86. He is survived by his wife, his three children, and his two grandsons.
After living a remarkable life, Gunjit is now at rest.
His work will live on in the companies he created, the lives he touched, and the family he raised. The Sikand Foundation will also continue its mission in his honor.
In lieu of flowers, Gunjit’s family has asked that donations in his memory may be made to St. Vincent’s Meals on Wheels and the Los Angeles Mission.