Official Obituary of
Balbir Singh Chhokar
June 8, 1940 ~ September 5, 2017 (age 77) 77 Years Old
Balbir Chhokar Obituary
Everyone must pass from this life, but it is the details of how one lives that makes life worth living. Balbir Singh Chhokar passed away on September 5, 2017. He was a man who lived fully, fought courageously against his cancer, and ultimately was prepared for his next great adventure.
Balbir was referred to as Bali by his friends and family. His nickname was the only thing small about the man. When Newton said, "If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants." Newton was referring to men like Bali. He was born and raised in Punjab, India and spoke four languages by the time he left to do his post-graduate work in Vienna, Austria. Unfortunately, German wasn't one of the languages he spoke. This made for some interesting interactions with the Austrian staff. On more than one occasion he ordered a whole, dry, baked potato, or Ofenkartoffel, when he meant to order the Bratkartoffein, fried potatoes with bacon. Eventually, Bali not only became fluent in German but he became an expert in European cooking. Every time one of his sons came home to visit, they were greeted with fusion food (before that was even a thing) which combined Indian, Southern Comfort and German foods.
Bali married his wife Rajinder "Raj", 46 years ago. Raj is a force of nature in her own right. That said, she needed a giant to stand up to her. And it worked beautifully every single day, creating a home full of love and happiness. He was a man who had many successes and accomplishments: Ophthalmologist, business owner and entrepreneur. However, Bali was most proud of his family and their accomplishments. He was the one who did the day-to-day tasks, such as packing lunches, taking the kids to school, and instilling discipline, which built the foundation of success for his two sons, Vikram (an Interventional Cardiologist in Columbus, GA) and Siddharth (a Tax Attorney in San Diego, CA).
He was a humble man who enjoyed life's simple pleasures; laughing, eating good food, and spending time with his family. He will live on in the memories and hearts of his beloved wife, Raj, his two sons, Vikram and Siddharth, their wives Jodi and Ann respectively and six grandchildren, Lexi, Ava, Sophia, Ella, Inder and Dharma. Bali now joins his father Dr. K. G. S. Chhokar who was also an Ophthalmologist and his mother Mrs. Sarjit Kaur Dhaliwal.
With all the cities and countries that Bali lived in, Columbus was his favorite. Bali loved Columbus and its people. From our family to yours, thank you for helping make this his home. From those of us who miss him, just know that we can see further because of him.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, September 9, 2017 at the Chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907. The visitation is Friday, September 8, 2017 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Valley Rescue Mission, 2903 Second Ave, Columbus, GA 31904 or to MercyMed of Columbus 3702 2nd Avenue Columbus, GA 31904 706-507-9209
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all those who have expressed their condolences.
3874 Gentian Blvd.
Columbus, GA, 31907
Balbir was referred to as Bali by his friends and family. His nickname was the only thing small about the man. When Newton said, "If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants." Newton was referring to men like Bali. He was born and raised in Punjab, India and spoke four languages by the time he left to do his post-graduate work in Vienna, Austria. Unfortunately, German wasn't one of the languages he spoke. This made for some interesting interactions with the Austrian staff. On more than one occasion he ordered a whole, dry, baked potato, or Ofenkartoffel, when he meant to order the Bratkartoffein, fried potatoes with bacon. Eventually, Bali not only became fluent in German but he became an expert in European cooking. Every time one of his sons came home to visit, they were greeted with fusion food (before that was even a thing) which combined Indian, Southern Comfort and German foods.
Bali married his wife Rajinder "Raj", 46 years ago. Raj is a force of nature in her own right. That said, she needed a giant to stand up to her. And it worked beautifully every single day, creating a home full of love and happiness. He was a man who had many successes and accomplishments: Ophthalmologist, business owner and entrepreneur. However, Bali was most proud of his family and their accomplishments. He was the one who did the day-to-day tasks, such as packing lunches, taking the kids to school, and instilling discipline, which built the foundation of success for his two sons, Vikram (an Interventional Cardiologist in Columbus, GA) and Siddharth (a Tax Attorney in San Diego, CA).
He was a humble man who enjoyed life's simple pleasures; laughing, eating good food, and spending time with his family. He will live on in the memories and hearts of his beloved wife, Raj, his two sons, Vikram and Siddharth, their wives Jodi and Ann respectively and six grandchildren, Lexi, Ava, Sophia, Ella, Inder and Dharma. Bali now joins his father Dr. K. G. S. Chhokar who was also an Ophthalmologist and his mother Mrs. Sarjit Kaur Dhaliwal.
With all the cities and countries that Bali lived in, Columbus was his favorite. Bali loved Columbus and its people. From our family to yours, thank you for helping make this his home. From those of us who miss him, just know that we can see further because of him.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, September 9, 2017 at the Chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907. The visitation is Friday, September 8, 2017 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Valley Rescue Mission, 2903 Second Ave, Columbus, GA 31904 or to MercyMed of Columbus 3702 2nd Avenue Columbus, GA 31904 706-507-9209
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all those who have expressed their condolences.
Funeral Service
SEP 9. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (EDT)
McMullen Funeral Home Chapel3874 Gentian Blvd.
Columbus, GA, 31907
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