GEORGE TOWN: Prominent Sikh lawyer Datuk Paduka Lakhbir Singh Sadu Singh died this morning.
His passing marks a big loss to the Penang legal fraternity.
He would have turned 82 on Aug 20.
According to his wife, Datin Harinder Kaur, her husband died at the Loh Guan Lye Specialists Centre here, where he was admitted two weeks ago.
Harinder said her husband was admitted for pneumonia and was having difficulty swallowing.
"His condition deteriorated and he died due to cardiac arrest this morning.
"He is a very loving and caring husband and father and we will all miss him very much," she told the New Straits Times.
Harinder said her husband was also a great and active sportsman.
"Up until he was admitted, he still goes into office. He is very passionate about his job," she added.
Harinder said their sons are on the way back home from Singapore and Sydney.
Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the late Lakhbir was respected by many for his leadership.
He said the former secretary of the then Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) was always neatly dressed and carried a distinctive aura and projected an image of a tough and no nonsense superior.
"However, he was kind to his subordinates.
"May his soul rest in peace," he told the New Straits Times.
Lawyer RSN Rayer, who knew Lakhbir since he was called to the Malaysian Bar 29 years ago, said he was one of the most outstanding Sikhs in Penang.
"He is a very eloquent and extremely caring person.
"His passing is another big loss to the Penang legal fraternity," he told the New Straits Times.
Rayer said Lakhbir was the longest-serving secretary of the Penang Municipal Council.
"He was also a diplomat serving in the international Municipal Council organisation for many years, and a great sportsman. His favourite sport was cricket. He had represented the Penang Bar in many inter bar sports competitions," he added.
The wake is being held at his residence at Minden Heights today and tomorrow.
His cortege will then leave for the Sikh Crematorium at 1pm on Saturday.