Tributes paid to first Punjabi man in Derby who died after illness
Bhopinder Partap was a pillar of the Indian community
Jordan Coussins
Bhopinder Partap
A much-loved member of the Punjab community who will be remembered for his "positivity and support" has died.
Bhopinder Partap, who was described as the pillar of Derby's Punjab community, has been remembered by his loving family as a fantastic person who will be greatly missed by all.
The 87-year-old leaves behind a wife, four children, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
"He was always so positive," said son Narinder Paul. "He was so supportive of everyone and he took everything so well – he will be greatly missed.
Bhopinder Partap came to the UK in 1951.
"He was a dedicated family man who helped his children through higher education and their careers, whilst maintaining that family and the community was his priority.
"It's published in a Punjabi book that my father was the first Punjabi in Derby. The book goes through the top 50 Punjabis in Derby and he is number one. He was very proud of that fact."
Mr Partap began his life in Derby in 1951, where he worked at Leys Malleable Casting in Kirk Leys Avenue, before buying his family home in Bateman Street three years later.
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"He even bought the house without the help of bank of mum and dad," Narinder joked.
"When he got to Derby he had nowhere to live and someone took him to the police station and said they would help him to find accommodation in Crompton Street. He is forever grateful to that person.
"Over the next 10 years, many people from the Punjab came and stayed at his house whilst they established their roots and then moved to other parts of Derby and the UK.
Bhopinder Partap became a pillar of Derby's Punjab community.
"He without a doubt had a connection with Derby. When he visited in Birmingham for Christmas he asked me to drive him back to Derby after two days as he loved it so much."
Known as "Gogo" to his grandchildren and "Kalu" to his friends, Mr Partap became the pillar of the Punjabi community and took an active role at the Hindu Temple in Normanton Road until his death.
Despite his long illness, he remained selfless and positive throughout and was an inspiration to the community.
His funeral was held at Bretby Crematorium on Saturday, April 21.