Prestwick’s emotional farewell as former Taj boss makes final stop
Tributes paid to popular family man who helped others
Mourners turned out to line the streets of Prestwick on Tuesday morning in a fitting farewell to former Taj boss Gurdish Singh Uppal.
Affectionately known as ‘Diesh,’the man who established the restaurant with younger brother, Bobby, sadly passed away last week. He was 71. Tributes have been paid from across the Prestwick community and from Diesh’s Taj family, who said he would leave“a deep void impossible to fill”.
Tributes have been paid to one of the men whose vision helped build Prestwick’s famous Taj Indian restaurant.
Gurdish (Diesh) Singh Uppal passed away last Saturday, aged 71, after suffering a heart attack.
He leaves behind a legacy at both his restaurant in the town’s Main Street and in India itself, where his charitable works helped many throughout the years.
Gurdish founded the Taj 40 years ago alongside younger brother Bobby, with the eaterie going on to become one of the most revered in the west of Scotland.
Diesh would become a hugely respected member of the Prestwick community after opening the restaurant, with his involvement stretching far beyond the Taj.
He retired from the business in 2005 to spend more time with his family.
Son Sukhi said: “My father was very much loved and respected by his friends and family.
“He was described by everyone, as a kind, gentle, warm-hearted man.
“He was also an active member of the rotary for 16 to 17 years, with one year as president.
“And he was someone who was very passionate about helping others.
“He has personally organised five eye clinics in India to provide laser treatments for the likes of Cataracts and Glaucoma for those that can’t afford it.”
A statement on behalf of the Taj family also paid tribute to Gurdish following his sad passing.
It read: “Diesh was a wonderful husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and valued community member.
“His family, friends and community members are deeply saddened by his passing.
“He leaves a deep void which will be impossible for us to fill.
“Diesh, alongside his younger brother Bobby, established and opened the Taj in 1981.
“Through hard work and endeavour, they developed their family business into a livelihood they both could be proud of.
“The Taj still stands proudly today with the the same principles that Diesh instilled many years ago.”
Gurdish is survived by wife Resham, children Raj, Sukhi and Jasbir and his five grandchildren.
His funeral took place on Tuesday at Clyde Coast and Garnock Crematorium in Largs and was streamed live online.
During Diesh’s final journey, his funeral procession paused outside the Taj Bar & Kitchen, allowing the Prestwick community to turn out and show their respect for a man who had given so much to the town over the years.