Darminder was an amazing self-made man with the greatest strength of character. An academic, civil servant, family man and a selfless Sikh. His attitude to life was always positive. He was honoured with an MBE in 2000 for services to the water industry.

Although Parkinsonism and rheumatoid arthritis had slowed him down physically in the last 20 years of his life, he remained mentally alert and if you asked him, ‘How are you?’ His answer was always, ‘Chardi Kala’.

Parkinson’s presented many challenges to him but he met them all with such patience and positivity. Darminder was always engaging fully with medics to understand his condition and he never let his illnesses stop him enjoying his life.  He gracefully accepted any modification to allow him to live life to the full using grab rails, a walking stick, a walker, a wheelchair, and a mobility scooter.

By remaining in Chardi Kala and never complaining it gave us, his family, the strength to carry on with the same zest and enthusiasm for life. From day trips out, attending conferences, exhibitions and up until the last days, sharing his knowledge and wisdom to people in all walks of life, he was truly remarkable.

He continued to travel the world, accompanied by his wife, family and friends and only returned from his last group holiday with no less than 11 other couples a fortnight before he passed away at the age of 81.

After his death in October 2021, his family decided to set up and register a charity in his memory. This charity is called Chardi Kala and its purpose it to provide small grants to people living with Parkinson’s to enable them to purchase equipment that will allow them to live life to the full.