Ranbir Singh Banwat was born in 1931 in Multan (now part of Pakistan). He was the eldest of six children of father, Sadhu Singh and mother, Parmesari.

Ranbir was a clever child, and his potential was recognized at an early age by both his family and particularly his Aunt who was determined to see him be given the best opportunity to pursue an education she believed he deserved. As such, she persuaded Ranbir’s parents to support the decision for him to move with her to Hoshiarpur to pursue an education that was not possible to receive in his family’s village. He was eight at the time and lived with his Aunt’s family for several years, excelling in his studies at both school and college.

The partition of India took place in 1947 when Ranbir’s family was forced to leave both their home and land in what is now Pakistan, and migrate to India. They reunited with Ranbir, and with land that had been allocated to them in Lachowal, a small village just outside of Hoshiarpur, started a new life.

The early years of Ranbir’s adulthood included successfully completing a Master’s degree in History from Punjab University. He married Ram Piari in 1956. Marriage was quickly followed by the birth of two children: Amrit in 1958 and Daizy in 1961. Ranbir was employed as a Professor of History and Physical Education in cities such as Hoshiarpur, Simla and New Delhi.

In 1965 Ranbir suffered from a very serious health episode which proved a test for his family. Upon recovery, this led, in part, to a significant family decision to leave India and emigrate to England. In early 1966, Ranbir traveled alone to England, to secure employment and lay the groundwork to allow his family to follow. He initially worked in a factory in Erith, Kent. Within his first year in England, he was able to confirm a teaching position at a secondary school in Aylesham, Kent. Before the end of the year, with a stable foundation now in place, Ram Piari, Amrit and Daizy joined Ranbir in England.

Always looking for the next opportunity, Ranbir moved the family to Gravesend, Kent where he found a teaching position at Southfields Secondary School. This was also the time for his first foray into the business world where he opened the first Indian restaurant in Gravesend (The Star of India). During this time he taught during the day and ran the restaurant in the evenings and on weekends.

During the 1970's he continued progressing in his teaching profession and simultaneously, continued with entrepreneurial pursuits of buying and running several businesses. Notable, he became landlord of The Railway Tavern pub which he turned into a gathering point for the Gravesend Indian community. Known throughout the area as Master Ji, he became a pillar of the community and was one of the leaders that started The Asian Welfare Society that advocated for the Indian community and helped those in need.

Ranbir retired from teaching in the early 1980’s but continued his interest in business. Ranbir & Ram Piari managed more pubs (The White Swan and Hambrough Tavern) in Southall, before deciding to start a new life by joining Amrit, Daizy and their families in Toronto, Canada where, for fun, he started a new career as a travel agent.

He fully retired in 1993 after which he spent his time with Ram Piari gardening and spoiling his grandchildren. Ranbir became a big fan of Blue Jays baseball. He was an avid watcher of the televised games and a vocal commentator and critic of Blue Jays management and coaches.

On March 01, 2013, after a lengthy illness, his wife and companion of 57 years, Ram Piari, passed away.

As a widower, Ranbir pursued community engagement through his work in the formation and membership in two social clubs that regularly met for cards, companionship, and conversation, sometimes up to six days a week.

Illness struck suddenly and progressed rapidly. At the age of 95, Ranbir passed away peacefully at 12:08pm on October 17, 2026 at Scarborough General Hospital.

Ranbir’s life reflected the qualities of devotion to family, ambition, hard work, energy, and care for the interests of the community. Those principles are his legacy that are passed down to his family.

Ranbir leaves behind his son Amrit (Andrea), daughter Daizy (Gurcharn), former daughter in law Mary (Mike), grand children Anchala (Burzin), David (Nadia), Anita (Tom), Mila (Frank), Cole and great grandchildren Devin, Eva, Freddie, Dominic, Arlo, and Remy.

The family expresses gratitude and appreciation to the team of the Rowntree Palliative Care Unit at Scarborough General Hospital for the exceptional and attentive care extended to Ranbir during the final weeks of his life.

Funeral Service & Cremation

1:30pm 

North Toronto Crematorium

2 Stalwart Industrial Drive, Gormley

Prayers followed by Langar 

4:30

Gursikh Sabha Canada

905 Middlefield rd. Scarborough

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to the Scarborough Health Network.