SIDDOO, Dr. Jagdis Kaur
It is with deep sadness that the Siddoo family formally announces the passing of Dr. Jagdis K. Siddoo on April 24, 2019. She lived a full and fulfilling life to the benefit of so many. She was predeceased by her father, Kapoor Singh Siddoo, mother Besant Kaur Siddoo, and sister Dr. Sarjit Kaur Siddoo (deceased Avtar S. Atwal). Dr. Jagdis K. Siddoo is survived by her husband Donney S. Siddoo, niece Dr. Chanda Siddoo-Atwal and loving dog Hari III. She was born in Duncan on Vancouver Island in March 1925 where her father started in the lumber business and owned a lumber mill and also spent many early years at Burnaby, Kapoor Sawmills (Barnet Beach).
After graduating from UBC she and her younger sister attended the University of Toronto medical school and Dr. Jagdis Siddoo became the first person of Indo-Canadian ancestry to graduate from a Canadian medical school, specializing in hematology. Scholarships have been established at both UBC and U o T by the family to commemorate this achievement.
Together with her father, mother and younger sister, they established the charitable Kapoor Singh Canadian Hospital in India. Dr. Jagdis Siddoo, who was a brilliant physician, spent most of her working life providing free medical services at this hospital. It opened in 1958 and continues today providing charitable medical relief to the less fortunate.
"Jackie" as she was known by many outside the family was an intensely private person but all that knew her also understood she had a determined disposition. Her love of nature, the animals and wildlife were so dear to her heart. Throughout her life she was an avid bird enthusiast. Jackie told her sister "Sar" that her true love and calling was to be a writer. She was passionate about philosophy and authored a book entitled "Listening is the Guru" about her contact with the great Indian philosopher, J. Krishnamurti. She also composed music based on bird songs for the piano.
She had a pioneering spirit inherited from her father and had great generosity and caring for others and loved her dogs immensely. One of her daily constitutions was to ensure Hari had his twice daily walk with her at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver. Hari was her "baby", as she would commonly refer to him. She also started a school with her sister in 1976 to educate her niece and other children based on the philosophy of Krishnamurti. It continues as a mediation centre in Victoria to this day.
Dr. Siddoo appreciated how privileged we are to be living here on this wonderful planet and throughout her life made a conscious effort, in both big and small ways, to make it a better place for all. She lived on her own terms and without compromise or apology. She leaves an impressive legacy and will be missed.
A private funeral and cremation was held on April 30, 2019. The family requests privacy at this time. In lieu of flowers a donation to St. Paul’s
Hospital Foundation or The Kapoor Singh Siddoo Foundation would be appreciated. In Memoriam.