Asa Johal was a very prominent member of our community. A pioneer, a lumber baron, a philanthropist and a proud Canadian. He left for his heavenly abode on July 5, 2021. However, his legacy lives on.
India Cultural Centre of Canada Gurdwara Nanak Niwas on Richmond’s Highway to Heaven is one of these outstanding legacies of Asa Johal. At its 17th annual Business Laureates of British Columbia Hall of Fame Gala Dinner and Induction Ceremonies, held in Vancouver on May30, 2023 several community leaders were honoured with the Business Laureate honours.
Asa Johal was inducted posthumously into the Business Laureates of British Columbia Hall of Fame. These business/ community leaders have shaped our province and our country. Created in 2005 by JABC, the Hall of Fame stands as a testament to the positive legacy the Laureates provide to future generations of business leaders.
In its information brochure prepared for the occasion, JABC states that the Laureates have demonstrated vision unique among their peers; they have provided leadership to inspire others to achieve their goals; they have led their lives with integrity and they have built as legacy that will enrich the lives of those who follow. Asa Johal was a sum total of all of that.
In his message to JABC, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has this to say about Johal: “This year, with his posthumous induction into the BLCB Hall of Fame, you also celebrate the life and career of Asa Johal. His many accomplishments as an entrepreneur, philanthropist and outstanding Canadian are most deserving of this tribute and I join his family and all those present this evening in honouring his legacy.
Johal was the President and CEO of Terminal Forest Products, B.C.’s largest independent lumber company. He immigrated to Canada from India in 1924 when he was a toddler. When the Depression devastated his family financially, he left school at aged 14 to work in a sawmill.
He founded Terminal Forest Products in 1965 and learned how to work with B.C.’s predominately white-owned and white-run forestry companies. He went on to establish sawmills, manufacturing plants and a trucking operation.
In addition to growing his lumber empire, Asa Johal, was a leader in the Sikh community who believed in using his successes to help others.
Over the decades, Johal contributed generously to fundraising campaigns for the B.C. Children’s Hospital, Canadian Cancer Society, Rotary Club-Polio Plus, and other causes supporting immigrants to Canada.
Asa was recognized for being an outstanding citizen by the B.C. government in 1991, earning the Order of B.C. and the Order of Canada for his contributions to the economy and also his philanthropy.
Management Committee and the congregation of India Cultural Centre of Canada Gurdwra Nanak Niwas, Richmond join Mr. Trudeau and JABC in congratulating the Johal family for this great honour bestowed on Asa Johal.
Balwant Sanghera is the General Secretary, India Cultural centre of Canada Gurdwara Nanak Niwas, Richmond, BC, Canada
