Gunjit S. Sikand passed away peacefully of natural causes on April 29 at the age of 86. Having lived a remarkably full life, he is now at rest.

They say that when one passes, the person becomes even larger than life. In the case of Gunjit, it is difficult to imagine someone more dynamic than the entrepreneur, philanthropist, mentor, husband and father we all knew, loved and respected.

Born in Patiala in the Punjab region of India in 1928, Gunjit was the youngest of six children of a Judge and Civic Leader. The first in his family to emigrate, he came to the United States when he was 17 years old to attend Auburn University. After graduation, he relocated to Boulder, Colorado, where he received his Master's Degree from the University of Colorado.

While in Boulder, Gunjit found his greatest blessing, his beloved wife Margarete, the woman who stood strongly and proudly by his side for 61 years. Gunjit and Margarete moved to California where Gunjit founded Sikand Engineering Associates in 1958. The company is now in its 56th year.

At the same time, he began teaching Civil Engineering at California State University at Los Angeles, a career that would span 20 years. During that time, Gunjit was able to give employment and internship opportunities to many of his students, some of whom still work at the company.

In addition to his other pursuits, Gunjit founded and operated Sikand Properties and its successor MG Enterprises, LLC to develop and manage residential and commercial properties. Because of his genuine concern for the welfare of the communities that supported his goals throughout the years, Gunjit established The Sikand Foundation in 1988.

Perhaps his greatest legacy, The Sikand Foundation annually contributes to hundreds of worthwhile charities. Its goal has been to afford care, education and humanitarian services to those in need. The Sikand Foundation will continue its mission for generations to come in honor of the lives of both Gunjit and Margarete.

Everyone who came in contact with Gunjit was immediately struck by his keen mind. However, it was his drive and his passion that truly defined him. He worked tirelessly throughout his lifetime to achieve his goal of being the ultimate provider — for the community, his family, his employees, his students and the numerous charitable causes to which he contributed. If you asked Gunjit his main purpose in life, his response would be that it was to add value, to leave this world better off than it was when he came into it. His lifetime was most assuredly a testament to that principle.

Gunjit is survived by his wife Margarete, his children, Mark, Renée and Annette, their spouses and his grandsons, Mark Jr. and Owen. He was the eldest surviving member of his family and leaves behind many beloved relatives in this country and abroad. He will be greatly missed by all, but his spirit will live on through everyone and everything he touched.

Private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Los Angeles based charities St. Vincent's Meals on Wheels and the Los Angeles Mission.

Santa Clarita City Council Adjournment, 5-27-2014

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.