He wasn’t born on Canadian soil but he cared for its people just the same. Farm workers’ rights activist Jawala Grewal passed away on Wed June 2 at Surrey Memorial Hospital. He was 94 years old.

As president of the Canadian Farmworkers Union (CFU), which represents over 200 farm workers, Grewal had his personal property vandalized, faced adversity in his career and even put his life on the line to fight for better working conditions for all farm workers.

Charan Gill, who had known Grewal for 30 years while developing the CFU, recalled a incident when Grewal came close to death.

"He was distributing leaflets when someone opposed to unionization pulled a shotgun on him and demanded he get off the farm.

He said he wouldn’t leave, that it was his right to disseminate information. ‘If you want to shoot me, then do it,’ he said. But the man walked away."

Despite being a militant activist — dedicated to the rights of farm workers — Grewal was also a family man. He raised seven sons and two daughters. At the time of his death, he had 22 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

"Even though he immigrated to Canada at the age of 65, Bapu Ji (father) gave more to the Canadian community as a senior than most of us could dream of giving in a life time," said Pritam Singh Grewal, Jawala’s second eldest son. "During an age of racism, and violence, Bapu Ji was able to rise above it all and raise a family."

Up until he left India to come to B.C., Grewal was considered a hero by his neighbours. Throngs of people would line up in front of his door seeking assistance. Even in Delta, his door was always open, according to Pritam. He was always available to help no matter what time of day or night.

"There are no words that can describe the type of man Bapu Ji was. He was a strong willed, courageous man who had a very strong belief system. He was a man who was always willing to do a good deed, whether it be fighting for rights or lending a shoulder.

"Bapu Ji was loved and admired by many people. He will be greatly missed by all his family, friends, and the community he loved so much."