Since immigrating to Canada in 1949, Gurdev Gill was a pillar and a pioneer of the Indo-Canadian community in British Columbia.

He was the first Indo-Canadian to graduate with a medical degree from the University of British Columbia and the first Indo-Canadian to practice medicine in Canada.

Dr. Gill was an active staff member of St. Mary’s, the Royal Columbian and Queen’s Park hospitals. In addition to these professional responsibilities he was President of the Khalsa Diwan Society, a member of the East Indian Canadian Citizenship Welfare Association, a founding member of the National Association of Canadians of Origin in India, a trustee of the India Cultural Society, in all of these, Dr. Gill provided exemplary and effective leadership.

Dr. Gill was a role model for the younger generation of Indo-Canadians. He consistently encouraged their active participation in the mainstream of Canadian society. He was active in fundraising for the Cancer Society, Rotary Club and the Children’s Hospital.

While working toward the betterment of his fellow countrymen and playing a leading role in many projects undertaken by the East Indian community, Dr. Gill underscored the need to promote tolerance and a better understanding among all Canadians.