Gian Chand Kohli, 93, of Huntsville, passed away September 4, 2024. Mr. Kohli was a beloved husband to Shakuntala Kohli; loving father to Neeta and Bharat; and caring grandfather to Rajan, Sumeet, Sabina, Bianca, Shaun and Nalin.
He was born in Hazara, Punjab and had two younger brothers. He lost his mother at the tender age of ten and was raised by his beloved Maasi (aunt). At age seventeen, during the Partition of 1947, he was attacked by rebels and thrown out of a moving train sustaining severe back injuries. With the grace of God, he survived and was able to walk and continue a normal life. He got married at the age of 27 and moved to Mombasa, Kenya. He became Vice Principal of his high school as well as Chair of the Math and Science Department. He was heavily involved with the Boy Scouts in Kenya and The Saint Johns Ambulance Services. He was loved by all who met him and often the center of any gathering, well known for his kindness and sense of humor.
In 1972, due to political unrest developing in neighboring Uganda led by Idi Amin, he decided to move his family to Toronto, Canada for the sake of his children’s safety-all despite having a content and wonderful life in Kenya. Life was initially tough in Canada as he tried to find a good job while facing racism. He, however, worked diligently to pursue another career, and was subsequently certified in the insurance industry. He moved onto a much better job and was so appreciated that the company refused to let him retire and encouraged him to stay on for several additional years.
He was a loving and caring husband, as well as an amazing and kind father who will always be deeply missed.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Sunday, September 8, 2024, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.
